“It is better not to compare Shahjahan Regency with Chowringhee because this is different and strictly adheres to Shankar’s book. Maybe a few years later, someone will again make a film on Shankar’s novel and that will be different from the one that Srijit has made. So comparisons should not be done” said Swastika Mukherjee at the press meet of Shahjahan Regency.

Also present at the occasion was eminent Bengali author Shankar, Parambrata Chatterjee, Anirban Bhattacharya, Anjan Dutt, Rittika Sen, Anupam Roy, Sujoy Prosad Chatterjee, Rana Basu Thakur and others.

Srijit Mukherji has been associated with SVF since 2010 as a director and this is the first time when he is not only directing but also co-producing a film.

“I have been a huge fan of Shankar’s writings from a very small age. I will like to take the opportunity to say that many novels are adapted for the big screen. For that one often have to change or add bits to it. However I did not like the yester year film Chowringhee. It became more of a film revolving around a single individual. But this film focuses on everyone rather than on one single person” said Anjan Dutt.

Anupam Roy mentioned that there are two songs in the film. “Like every other Srijit Mukherji’s film, I am yet again a part of this film too. He has the habit of resurrecting my old songs. And he has done that with this film too. I hope the people will love the songs” said the music composer.

Anirban Bhattacharya said “Chowringhee by Shankar is a great book. What Srjit Mukherji has done is to make it relatable to the audiences and give it a contemporary angle. Another great thing is that Srijit da has made me feel like a Star though I do not consider myself as one”. The actor also has sung in the film.

Sujoy Prosad Chatterjee while describing his character said that the character is just like him- very angry and yet sentimental.

Rittika Sen who looked lovely in a yellow sari said “I have always wanted to be an air-hostess. And with this film, I get to play one. I did not tell Srijit da about my liking but this just landed in my lap. Divine providence it seems!! I had a great experience on the sets as I got to act with so many great actors”.

Srijit Mukherji when asked about the fact that comparisons with the earlier film will be done by the audience said “The film is different from the other film Chowringhee. It was based in those times and this film is based in this time. No character has been added. The portrayal has been done a little bit to suit these times”.

The film is eyeing for release on 18^th January and will be the first release of 2019 from SVF.

Priyanka Dutta