Daijiworld Media Network- London
London, Apr 25: Acclaimed actress Rukmini Maitra's powerful portrayal of theatre legend Binodini Dasi in “Binodiini Ekti Natir Upakhyan” will have its much-anticipated UK premiere at the 8th London Bengali Film Festival (LBFF) on Thursday, April 25.
Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee, the biopic will be screened at the BLOC Cinema of Queen Mary University of London. The event will feature an introduction by the director himself and will be followed by an interactive Q&A session with the audience.
Speaking ahead of the premiere, director Ram Kamal Mukherjee expressed his excitement and gratitude: “It is an honour to present our magnum opus ‘Binodiini Ekti Natir Upakhyan’ at such a prestigious platform. The life of Binodini Dasi is an inspiring tale of passion and resilience, and we are proud to bring her story to the world stage through LBFF 2025.”
The film is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of Binodini Dasi, a courtesan-turned-theatre icon of 19th-century Bengal who broke barriers for women in the performing arts. Maitra’s performance as the pioneering actress has drawn praise for its depth and emotional intensity.
Festival Director Subidita Bhattacharya remarked, “We are delighted to host the UK premiere of Binodiini Ekti Natir Upakhyan. The film is not just a cinematic gem but a deeply moving representation of heritage, artistry, and the strength of the human spirit.”
Founder and CEO of the London Bengali Film Festival, Munsur Ali, added, “We are committed to amplifying global South Asian narratives. This film, with its powerful storytelling and visual richness, will surely strike a chord with our audience.”
The London Bengali Film Festival 2025, taking place from April 22 to 27, features a curated selection of six films—four narrative features, one documentary, and one short—from India, Bangladesh, and diasporic communities, with screenings at iconic venues including the Barbican Centre and Guildhall.
“Binodiini Ekti Natir Upakhyan”, which released in India on January 23, also stars Kaushik Ganguly, Rahul Bose, Mir Afsar Ali, Chandan Roy Sanyal, and Om Sahani. The film dives into Binodini Dasi’s transformation from a stigmatized courtesan to a revered theatre personality, shedding light on the betrayals, battles, and brilliance that defined her legacy.