The cultural landscape of Kolkata comes alive as film enthusiasts gather for the prestigious Uttam Chalachitra Utsob 2026, a dedicated film festival honoring the enduring legacy of the legendary Mahanayak Uttam Kumar. Scheduled to run from 24th July to 6th August 2026, the grand festival officially commenced with its inauguration ceremony at 3:00 PM at Nandan-1.

​The inaugural event was graced by several prominent dignitaries and luminaries from the cultural and political spheres, like actress Rituparna Sengupta, Ratna Ghoshal, Debika Mukherjee, and others.

MLA and actress Papiya Adhikari also graced the event. She said that Uttam Kumar is a legend, a myth, and also a great concept. The charm of the actor and the fact that he was a great human being was what set him apart from the others.

​The festival features daily screenings at 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM across multiple screens at Nandan, showcasing a rich repertoire of classic films that capture the golden era of Bengali filmmaking. Cinephiles have the opportunity to view timeless masterpieces such as Saptapadi, Sanyasi Raja, Sabar Upare, Dui Bhai, Bhranti Bilas, Nutan Tirtha, Ondhakar, and numerous other cinematic treasures that continue to define the cultural fabric of West Bengal.

The tickets are priced at Rs 40, 50, and 60.

Speaking at the event, Rituparna Sengupta said, “I am too insignificant a person to talk about Uttam Kumar. I still remember I was a kid when he passed away. I saw how my mother and aunt were devastated by the news. I was too young to understand the gravity of the situation. It was later on, after I grew up, that I understood everything. Uttam Kumar is not just an actor. He is an emotion for all of us”.

Ratna Ghoshal shared her memories of acting with the legendary actor Uttam Kumar. She shared how she was a young girl of eight years when she first met the actor. She also narrated how she had acted as per the instructions of the actor in a film.

​Beyond celebrating cinematic excellence, the festival also underscores a deep tradition of social welfare and philanthropy historically championed by the film community and organizations like Shilpi Sansad. Reflecting a rich legacy of community support, Shilpi Sansad has consistently worked toward aiding distressed artists, technicians, and their families through various charitable initiatives. From organizing charity cricket matches at Eden Gardens in collaboration with legendary artists from Mumbai, Chennai, and West Bengal to raising substantial relief funds during natural calamities like the 1974 North Bengal floods, the organization has stood firmly by the creative fraternity. Notable historical milestones include contributing funds for cancer patient beds at Thakurpukur Cancer Hospital, providing financial assistance for ailing artists, and offering monetary support to underprivileged families battling pediatric cancer.

​The Uttam Chalachitra Utsob 2026 serves not only as a vibrant retrospective of Mahanayak Uttam Kumar’s peerless cinematic journey but also as a vital reaffirmation of the cultural solidarity, heritage, and social responsibility deeply embedded in the heart of Bengali cinema.

Priyanka Dutta