Director Sudipto Sen Champions New Folklore Thriller 'Charak: Fair of Faith'
Following the success of 'The Kerala Story' and 'Bastar: The Naxal Story', acclaimed director Sudipto Sen is now lending his support to another provocative cinematic venture titled 'Charak: Fair of Faith'. This upcoming film boldly challenges conventional notions of faith, superstition, and ritualistic practices prevalent in India's rural heartlands.
Trailer Unveils Sinister Truths of Occult and Blind Faith
The makers of this folklore thriller officially unveiled the trailer on Thursday, offering audiences a glimpse into the dark and unsettling world of occult activities and unwavering blind faith. Backed by Sudipto Sen, the film is scheduled for a theatrical release on March 6, promising to deliver a gripping narrative that questions the very foundations of belief systems.
The trailer vividly depicts a community fervently preparing for the Charak mela, a traditional festival viewed as their ultimate hope to fulfill long-standing desires. However, as the rituals escalate in intensity and frenzy, the storyline begins to interrogate the precarious boundary between:
- Faith and fanaticism
- Devotion and destruction
Set against the backdrop of this sacred fair, which involves deep devotion intertwined with perilous rituals, the film aims to shed light on the superstition and ritualistic extremities that persist in India's hinterlands.
Director and Producer Insights on the Project
Directed by Shieladitya Moulik, 'Charak: Fair of Faith' has been a subject of careful consideration and scrutiny. Producer Sudipto Sen recently clarified that the film is entirely distinct from 'The Kerala Story 2' and unrelated to the Bengal elections, dispelling any potential misconceptions.
In a detailed statement, Sen revealed, "Just yesterday, my film 'Charak Fair of Faith' was cleared by the Censor Board. Ever since 'The Kerala Story', I feel I have become a 'favourite' of the Censor Board. I'm often labelled 'controversial', as if I'm their favourite child. Special care has been taken to ensure that saints and ascetics are not disrespected in the film. We shot Charak at real Charak locations."
He further elaborated on his initial involvement with 'The Kerala Story 2', stating, "Initially, I was associated with 'The Kerala Story 2', but when I saw that it also included stories from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, I stepped away because I did not have adequate research on those subjects."
CBFC Clearance and Gratitude Expressed
The film's journey through the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was marked by thoughtful deliberation. Sen expressed his gratitude to the CBFC, noting, "After the screening of Charak, the CBFC committee had certain concerns owing to the film's unique subject, and it was referred to a higher review panel. Post the RC screening, the panel approved the film with a few suggested alterations. I am truly grateful to the CBFC and the esteemed members for understanding our perspective and arriving at a harmonious decision."
Sen added with enthusiasm, "I'm thrilled to bring Charak, a story deeply rooted in the heart and soul of our country to audiences across India and the world. The film reflects the ethos and philosophy of our heartland, striving to deliver a cinematic experience that uplifts humanity and touches the soul."
Production and Cast Details
'Charak: Fair of Faith' is presented by PEN Studios, under the leadership of Jayantilal Gada. Gada emphasized the film's significance, stating, "Content is the king and it's the need of the hour. Hence, we chose a subject like 'Charak' that is so thought-provoking. The genre of folklore thrillers is new, and the story's combination of mythology and exciting components is so masterfully done that it doesn't just entertain but also leaves you with powerful afterthoughts."
The film boasts a powerful ensemble cast, featuring talented actors such as:
- Anjali Patil
- Sahidur Rahaman
- Subrat Dutta
- Shashi Bhushan
- Nalneesh Neel
- Shankhadeep
- Shounak Shyamal
Produced by Dhaval Jayantilal Gada and Sipping Tea Cinemas in association with Sudipto Sen Productions, with Rajesh Bhatt serving as associate producer, the film is poised to make a significant impact upon its release. Mark your calendars for March 6, when 'Charak: Fair of Faith' arrives in theatres nationwide, offering a compelling exploration of faith, tradition, and the human condition.
