Bagha Jatin, the real-life Indian revolutionary whose life was portrayed in the film
In July 2022, director Arun Roy told Anandabazar Online about writing the script for the Bagha Jatin. He said that "I have been writing about Bagha Jatin for the last one and a half years. I don't know anything more than that." At this time, it is also known that the shooting of the film will begin from October.[13] On 15 August 2022, The film was officially announced on the occasion of India's 75th Independence Day.[14][15]
Bagha Jatin is a biographical film, that covers the life of real-life Indian revolutionary Bagha Jatin and his fight against the British Raj. Dev played the role of Bagha Jatin, the central character of the film. The film explores the events of the last two decades of the 19th century and the first two decades of the 20th century.
Casting
It was announced in July 2022 that Dev would play the lead role of Bagha Jatin in the film. Auditions were held to select the actress for the role of Indubala Banerjee in the film Bagha Jatin, produced by Dev Entertainment and directed by Arun Roy. Auditions were conducted by the director and production company by visiting various colleges in West Bengal.[16] About 6 thousand girls auditioned, out of which Sreeja Dutta was selected.[17][16][9][18] Samiul Alam was selected for the role of revolutionary Kshudiram Bose.[19] Australian actor Carl A. Hart[20] was selected to play the role of Charles Tegart, Deputy Commissioner of the Calcutta Police.
Filming
Principal photography took place in the Baripada forest, Odisha and Kolkata. The Baripada forest in Odisha were selected for the scenes of the Battle of Buribalam. Recce was done in November 2022 for site selection. In February 2023, the shooting started in the Birpara forest. But, during the shooting for an action scene, Dev suffered an eye injury, due to which the shooting was stopped for few days. Dev was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai for treatment. Birpara jungle scene work resumed in May.[21][22]
The imprisonment of many revolutionaries in Kolkata's Alipore Jail was filmed. A British period prison environment was recreated for the scene at Alipore Jail.
Soundtrack
The music of the film has been has been composed by Nilayan Chatterjee. The lyrics have also been written by Nilayan Chatterjee.
The first single was released on 23 September 2023.[23][24] The second single was released on 30 September 2023.[25][26] The third single was released on 7 October 2023.[27][28] The fourth single was released on 15 October in Bengali and was released on 16 October in Hindi.[29]
The Bengali pre-teaser of the film was released on 14 August 2023 on Dev Entertainment Ventures Youtube channel. The Hindi pre-teaser was released on 15 August 2023, on the occasion of Independence Day.
The teaser for the film was released on 9 September 2023 in both Bengali and Hindi on Dev Entertainment Ventures Youtube channel.[30][31] The Bengali trailer was released on 9 October 2023.[32] The Hindi trailer was dropped one day later, on 10 October 2023 on Zee Music Company Youtube channel.[33]
Release
In June 2023, the film was slated for theatrical release in Bengali and Hindi on 20 October 2023 on the occasion of Durga Puja.[21] But as per the final decision, it was released across India in Bengali language on 19 October. The dubbed version of Hindi language was released across India on 20 October. It released on almost 200 screens in Indian markets, including 19 and 20 October releases.
Reception
Elina Dutta of Ei Samay rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "A tickle of Bengali nationalism with patriotism, Bagha Jatin is a cocktail of the glorious history of Bengal. The background score by Neelayan Chatterjee is also worth noting. Riding on the raft of patriotism and Dev's stardom, it looks set to win the box office."[34] Virat Verma of Flickonclick reviewed the film and wrote "Dev’s portrayal of Jatindranath Mukherjee is compelling and serves as the backbone of the film. Bagha Jatin is a commendable addition to Bengali cinema, providing a powerful and historically significant narrative. It is a must-watch for those interested in India’s history and its fight for freedom, offering a glimpse into the lives of the heroes who shaped the nation’s destiny."[35]
Upam Buzarbaruah of The Times of India rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Bagha Jatin is a good watch but could have been much more. For one, the editing leaves ample room to tighten the narrative, and second, a decent pick up in the overall pace could have done wonders to the film. However, the VFX sequence that shows how Jatindranath came to be known as ‘Bagha’ by slaying a tiger, make-up and the film music is impressive. If you want to experience the life and journey of a renowned Bengali freedom fighter, better not miss it."[7] Subhasmita Kanji of Hindustan Times wrote "Bagha Jatin's dialogue deserves special praise. However, the first part shows so many fragmented events that could have been put together in a better way. But in the hustle and bustle of Puja, this film will inspire more tension towards the country, inform the history as well as give courage."[36]
Akash Misra of Sangbad Pratidin wrote "Dev has imbued into the character of Bagha Jatin with emotions. This film will be memorable in his filmography, that much can be said."[37] Souvik Saha of Cine Kolkata rated the film 4.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Baghajatin is a commendable attempt at bringing a crucial chapter of history to the silver screen. Dev’s powerful performance, coupled with strong supporting acts and impressive visuals, makes this film a worthy watch. While it falls short in some aspects, it stands as a testament to the filmmakers’ courage and dedication."[38][39]Anandabazar Patrika and The Indian Express also reviewed the film.[40][41]
Box office
The film trade magazine Film Information mentioned that the film collected over ₹11.45 lakhs (₹1.14 million) from national multiplex chains only in West Bengal on first day.[42]
According to Hindustantimes Bangla, the film grossed ₹3.25 crore (US$410,000) within 8 days of release in Domestic Market.[2][3]
References
^Mukherjee, Priyanka (19 October 2023). "'চেঙ্গিজ' জিৎকে নকল করে হিন্দিতে বাঘা যতীন মুক্তির সিদ্ধান্ত? খোলসা করলেন দেব". bangla.hindustantimes.com (in Bengali). Hindustantimes Bangla. Retrieved 20 October 2023. তাঁর কথায়, 'এই রকম একটা হিন্দি ছবি তৈরি হয় কমপক্ষে ১০০ কোটির বাজেটে। সে জায়গায় মাত্র ৫ কোটি টাকায় তৈরি হয়েছে।
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