Kolkata, Aug 9 (IANS): Debutant director Sagnik Chatterjee is overwhelmed on winning a National Award for his very first effort, the documentary film, "Feluda: 50 Years Of Rays detective". The film won in the "Best Debut Non-Feature Film Of A Director" category at the 66th National Awards, announced on Friday.

The film is a tribute to Satyajit Ray's iconic Bengali sleuth Feluda, on his completion of 50 years.

"It feels great. There was uncertainty whether I would be able to complete the film due to budget constraint. Now, finally, the film has received recognition at this level. It is a feeling which I cannot describe in words," Sagnik told IANS, adding: "I dedicate the achievement to the collaborators and technicians associated with the film, and of course, to all Feluda fans across the world. I would like to mention three people specifically, to whom I want to dedicate this honour -- Yogesh Mathur, who was my teacher in at my film institute in Pune, Sandip Ray and Lalita Ray."

Sagnik, who is a bundle of emotions on receiving the honour, shared his experience of making the film, saying: "My only inspiration behind the film was Satyajit Ray and my years of growing up with Feluda. I have so many childhood memories of reading and watching Feluda. I have faced obstacles while making the film but I was determined to make the film see light of the day. Making the film was a great journey. It was really hard to disassociate myself once the shoot got over."

He mentioned that Feluda stories like "Londonay Feluda" and "Ghurghutiyar Ghatona" are among his favourites.

Sagnik Chatterjee, an alumnus of Pune's Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication, started his career as an assistant director under filmmaker Sandip Ray. He now plans to make a feature film based on a story of Satyajit Ray.