Putul, directed and produced by Indira Dhar, has etched its name in cinematic history by becoming the first Bengali film to be in contention for the Best Picture category at the 97th Academy Awards. The achievement is a landmark moment for regional cinema, underscoring its ability to transcend borders through meaningful storytelling.
The director expressed her delight over the recognition, calling it a celebration of dreamers who dare to believe. “Achieving this milestone is not just a recognition of my work but a celebration of every dreamer who dares to believe,” Dhar said. “I am very happy and would like to thank the Academy of Motion Pictures and the Oscar committee for considering our film to compete for the Best Picture category among thousands of other entries worldwide.”
Dhar highlighted that Putul is among 207 films selected globally for the Best Picture category. “This is my debut feature film, and as the director and producer, I’m extremely grateful to my team and everyone who supported the film,” she added.
Overcoming Challenges
Putul explores the lives of street children in India, a subject that required authentic on-street shooting, which presented its own challenges. Dhar revealed that the journey of making the film over five years was fraught with difficulties, including a lack of large budgets or international producers. “The past five years were extremely difficult—not having any large budgets or international producers on board to fund the film was very challenging. But I’m very grateful that everything worked out eventually,” Dhar said.
The director also expressed hope for India to shine bright at the Oscars, emphasizing the importance of showcasing regional cinema on the global stage.
A Multifaceted Effort
Indira Dhar wore many hats in the creation of Putul, serving as the writer, director, and producer. Her dedication and vision have now propelled Bengali cinema to new heights.
The film had earlier been screened at the prestigious 77th Cannes Film Festival’s Marché du Film on May 16, 2024, further solidifying its global appeal.
As the Academy Awards approach, Putul stands as a beacon of inspiration for regional filmmakers and a testament to the universal power of storytelling.
Sources By Agencies
