Priya Cinema Hall transformed into a celebration of Bengali cinema’s past, present, and future as Maharaja Tomare Selam unveiled its stellar cast in character for the first time.

The motion poster for Maharaja Tomare Selam was unveiled by National Award-winning director Srijit Mukherji, who also introduced the ensemble cast and the iconic characters they play. Sairity Banerjee and Arijit Dutta were confirmed to play key roles alongside Jeetu Kamal, Ritwik Bhowmik, Rudranil Ghosh, Samik Roy Chowdhury, and Satakshi Nandy.

Maharaja Tomare Selam, produced by Hoichoi Studios and Friends Communication in collaboration with Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne’s original producer, Piyali Films Pvt. Ltd., is not just the tale of a legendary movie but also the tale of the visionary who made it possible. The film, directed by Srijit Mukherji, examines the imagination, conviction, and creative tenacity that led to the creation of Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, one of the most renowned classics in Indian cinema.

Legendary musician and composer Debojyoti Mishra was also there, adding to the nostalgia. Mishra has also been closely linked to Satyajit Ray’s musical legacy and has composed the film’s background score.

After that, the audience was treated to a specially organized live musical performance by Band Paridhi, which included vocals by Durnibar Saha and Sutirtha. They performed a tribute set for Maharaja Tomare Selam, reenacting some of the classic Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne songs. The show created the ideal atmosphere for viewers to rediscover the world of Goopy and Bagha through a completely different perspective while transforming the auditorium into a communal celebration of memories.

The festivities continued after that.

Another morning announcement was that Satyajit Ray’s Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, which will be screened in 2027, is undergoing a prestigious 4K restoration by Film Heritage in collaboration with Martin Scorsese’s Film Foundation. Srijit’s film Maharaja Tomare Selam is scheduled for release in 2027, coinciding with the timeless masterpiece’s return to the world stage in a restored form. This will create a unique opportunity to celebrate both the classic and its backstory.

The event, which took place at Priya Cinema in collaboration with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, evolved into much more than just a film launch. It signaled the start of a broader cultural celebration that pays tribute to a cinematic heritage while ushering in new eras for future generations.

2027 is set to be the year of Goopy and Bagha thanks to a historic 4K restoration that will debut next year, Srijit Mukherji’s intensely personal homage to the creation of a masterpiece, and a brand-new tale that will take the Goopy Bagha universe into the future.

Because some stories just find new ways to be told and never get old.

Priyanka Dutta