Kolkata, Dec 14 (IANS): In the wake of dwindling audiences for Bengali movies, filmmaker Sandip Ray banked on big screen adaptation of master storyteller Satyajit Ray's Feluda novels to bring back audiences to the regional cinema.

Master sleuth Feluda is the hugely popular character created by the auteur.

According to a CII-IMRB report, as many as 54 percent of Bengali film viewers here have not been to theatres in last one year to watch a Bengali movie despite proliferation of multiplexes.

The findings come days ahead of release of the next Feluda movie "Baadshahi Angti" (The Emperor's Ring) directed by Sandip, son of Satyajit. The movie is the celluloid adaptation of Satyajit's first major novel to feature Feluda and his teenaged assistant Topshe.

"I think people will come to watch it with their families because of the universal appeal it holds. The series have been translated in Indian as well as foreign languages. The film adaptation should bring back audiences to Bengali films," Sandip told IANS when quizzed on the survey.

"The producers are supposed to release it in other Indian cities also and since the translations are widely read by non-Bengalis, we hope they will also watch," he said.

In the story, Feluda and Topshe are drawn into the hunt for a priceless Mughal ring that goes missing as the duo are holidaying in Lucknow.

Produced by Shree Venkatesh Films, the film has been shot largely in Lucknow and Haridwar while the last leg was wrapped up here.

It stars popular Bengali actor Abir Chatterjee in the lead role and Sourav Das as Topshe.

"It is a reboot of the Feluda films and since it is set in the current year, youngsters can also relate to it. There aren't many films for children, but the Feluda series can bridge that gap," Abir told IANS.