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Raktabeej

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Raktabeej
Theatrical release poster
Directed byNandita Roy
Shiboprosad Mukherjee
Screenplay byZinia Sen
Sarbari Ghoshal
Story byNandita Roy
Shiboprosad Mukherjee
Zinia Sen
Based on2014 Burdwan Blast
Produced bySanjay Aggarwal
StarringVictor Banerjee
Abir Chatterjee
Mimi Chakraborty
CinematographyPratip Mukhopadhyay
Edited byMalay Laha
Music bySongs:

Dohar
Anindya Chattopadhyay
Surajit Chatterjee

Score:
Prabuddha Banerjee
Production
company
Distributed byWindows Production
Cinepolis
Release date
  • 19 October 2023 (2023-10-19)
Running time
142 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguagesBengali
Hindi
Odia
Assamese
Budget₹3.5−4 crore[1]
Box office₹6.5 crore[2]

Raktabeej (transl. Seeds of Blood) is a 2023 Indian Bengali-language action thriller film co-written and directed by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee. The plot is mainly inspired by the true events of 2014 Burdwan Blast that deeply shook Bengal and the nation. The film stars Victor Banerjee, Abir Chatterjee and Mimi Chakraborty in the lead roles. This film is produced and distributed by Windows and presented by Sanjay Agarwal.

The film marked the return of Victor Banerjee in a lead role after a long time. The film was released on 19 October 2023 in West Bengal. On 27 October 2023 it was released outside Bengal in the other languages.[3][4][5][6]

Cast

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Production

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Announcement and development

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The film was officially announced on 9 March 2023. The filming started soon after the announcement, on 15 March 2023.[7] In an interview with the Deccan Herald, Mukherjee of the director duo said that they sought help from the editor of Times of India in Kolkata as soon they understood that the film demanded a budget they didn't have. They kept working on the story and continued with the research work. After nine years, they could finally make the film on a scale that deemed fit for the story.[8]

Filming

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The principal photography took place in Kolkata, Dhulagar, Bantala, Panchla and Bolpur. One important scene was filmed at Raisina Hill.[9][10][11]

Marketing

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The teaser for the film was released on 25 August 2023 on WINDOWS Youtube channel.[12][13] The Hindi teaser was dropped on 28 August 2023 and the Odia teaser on 4 September 2023. The trailer was released on 30 September 2023.[14]

Music

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Raktabeej
Soundtrack album by
Dohar, Anindya Chattopadhyay and Surajit Chatterjee.
Recorded2023
StudioKusum
Studio Vibrations
OpenReel Studios
Studio Violina
Studio Prasad Kahe
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length15:29
LanguageBengali
LabelWINDOWS
Times Music Bangla
ProducerWindows Production

The music of the film has been composed by Dohar, Anindya Chattopadhyay and Surojit Chatterjee.

The first single "Gobindo Daant Maje Na" was released on 9 September 2023. The music video featured Ankush Hazra.[15][16] The second single "Gouri Elo' was released 22 September 2023.[17] The third single "Nakku Nakur Na Jao Thakur" was released on 6 October 2023.[18][19] The fourth single titled "Joyo Joyo Bijoyagaman" was released on 2 November 2023.

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicSinger(s)Length
1."Gobindo Daant Maje Na"Surojit ChatterjeeSurojit ChatterjeeSurojit Chatterjee3:31
2."Gouri Elo"TraditionalTraditionalDohar, Tirtha Bhattacharjee, Rohan Das(Child Artist)2:49
3."Nakku Nakur Na Jao Thakur"Anindya ChatterjeeAnindya ChatterjeeAntara Nandy, Ankita Nandy3:54
4."Joyo Joyo Bijoyagaman"Shyamapada Bhattacharjee, Kalikaprasad BhattacharjeeShyamapada Bhattacharjee, Kalikaprasad BhattacharjeeIman Chakraborty, Dohar5:15
Total length:15:29

Release

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Theatrical

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The film was released on 19 October 2023 on the occasion of Durga Puja. It became the first Bengali film to release in 4 languages.[20][21]

Home media

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On 18th February 2024 this movie was telecast on Star Jalsha.[22] On that day this movie was streamed on the OTT platform Hoichoi.[23] Later it has been also made available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar and Amazon Prime Video.

Reception

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Box office

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The film grossed more than 6.50 crore (US$780,000) at the box-office.[24]

Critical reception

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Upali Mukhopadhyay of Aajkaal reviewed the film and wrote "[The] story of the film, strong screenplay, sparkling dialogues, remarkable acting and last but not the least, the mettle of the directors makes the film."[25] Subhash K Jha of Times Now rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "It was a Bangla film executed on a level where both the intelligentsia and the masses can engage and have a fulfilling time. One can make it engaging and relevant without pounding in the message. Raktabeej proves it."[26] Suchandra Ghatak of Anandabazar Patrika reviewed the film and wrote "This kind of thriller is rarely seen in Tollywood. Suspense is the last word and audience of all age will remember this film for a long time."[27]

Poorna Banerjee of The Times of India rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "With Raktabeej, director duo Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee have stepped away from their comfort zone to deliver a power-packed action-adventure film. However, the film’s intent to deliver a strong message about terrorism doesn’t allow for much of a backstory for the characters and complete their arcs."[28] Rupa Bose of Ei Samay Gold wrote "Raktabeej will remembered by the audience. The audience will want to get the taste of this film again and again."[29] Shamayita Chakraborty of OTT Play rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "As a film, it is entertaining. Unlike many of Shiboprosad and Nandita’s films, it has no unnecessary sentimentality. It is smart and riveting and almost recommendable."[30]

Sandipta Bhanja of Sangbad Pratidin rated the film 4.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "The combination of State and Central is good and from there, the light fragrance of love touches the heart even in the midst of terrorist activities and bloodbaths."[31] Sushmita Dey of Ei Samay rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "The songs of the film will really touch the heart of the audience. It is possible to make a film out of boundary in a completely different genre apart from the family film."[32] The North East Film Journal had a positive review on the film.[33]

Virat Verma of Flickonclick rated the film 3.7 out of 5 stars and wrote "The film takes a broader view, shedding light on the underlying issues at play, making it not just a thrilling watch but also a thought-provoking one. The directors have created a compelling narrative that not only entertains but also leaves one contemplating the broader implications, making it a noteworthy addition to the world of Bengali cinema."[34] Bongo Banjo reviewed the film and said "The directors skillfully balanced suspense and drama, addressing significant societal themes, and providing viewers with a holistic cinematic experience."[35] Souvik Saha of Cine Kolkata rated the film 4.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Raktabeej stands out as a well-executed thriller that successfully blends political intrigue, familial complexities, and suspenseful moments."[36]

References

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  1. ^ "Dawshom Awbotaar BO: Srijit Mukherji's thriller bags Rs 6 cr after three weeks". OTTplay. 14 November 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  2. ^ "এ বার ভারতের বাইরে পাড়ি দিচ্ছে 'রক্তবীজ'! জানালেন শিবপ্রসাদ". Anandabazar Patrika (in Bengali). 16 December 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  3. ^ "Raktabeej Movie: Abeer-Mimi, Victor-Anusuya in New Bengali Thriller! Nandita-Shibu's 'Raktabeej' is coming".
  4. ^ "Raktabeej: Victor Banerjee, Abir & Mimi's thriller builds anticipation".
  5. ^ "Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee's film Raktabeej is a thriller inspired by true events".
  6. ^ "'Raktabeej' will be full of action".
  7. ^ "Raktabeej".
  8. ^ "2014 Burdwan blast that shook Bengal makes it to big screen".
  9. ^ "Raktabeej Filmed at Bolpur".
  10. ^ "Raktabeej was filmed at Raisina Hills".
  11. ^ "Raktabeej Shooting Locations".
  12. ^ "'Raktabeej' teaser".
  13. ^ "Raktabeej - Official Teaser". The Times of India.
  14. ^ "Raktabeej trailer: Abir Chatterjee and Mimi Chakraborty race against time to save Victor Banerjee".
  15. ^ "Ankush Hazra in item song, 'Raktabeej' movie's new song 'Gobind Dhanta Maje Na' revealed".
  16. ^ "মেন লাইন, কর্ড লাইনে গান গেয়েই 'আইটেম বয়' অঙ্কুশ! মাতলেন 'গোবিন্দ লীলা'য়".
  17. ^ "Gouri Elo' song from Nandita Roy-Shiboprosad Mukherjee's film launched".
  18. ^ "'নাক্কু নাকুড় না যাও ঠাকুর', রক্তবীজের নয়া গানে ভরপুর পুজোর আমেজ".
  19. ^ "Raktabeej New Song: মুক্তি পেল 'নাক্কু নাকুড়, না যাও ঠাকুর'".
  20. ^ "Raktabeej Is Going To Be The First Bengali Film Releasing In Four Languages".
  21. ^ "With 'Raktabeej', 2014 Burdwan blast that shook Bengal makes it to big screen".
  22. ^ Niyogi, Agnivo (1 February 2024). "Dawshom Awbotaar to stream on Hoichoi, Raktabeej set for TV premiere on Star Jalsa this month". The Telegraph. Calcutta. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  23. ^ Ganguly, Kaushiki (16 February 2024). "Raktabeej OTT release date – Watch the flawless fusion of a family drama with a real-life anti-terrorism struggle on THIS day". OTTplay. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  24. ^ "এ বার ভারতের বাইরে পাড়ি দিচ্ছে 'রক্তবীজ'! জানালেন শিবপ্রসাদ".
  25. ^ "Raktabeej Review by Aajkal".
  26. ^ "Raktabeej Movie Review: An Involving Intelligent Anti-Terrorism Drama".
  27. ^ "সবার উপরে সাসপেন্স সত্য, দোসর রইল উৎসব!".
  28. ^ "Raktabeej Movie Review".
  29. ^ "Raktabeej Review: Nandita-Sivaprasad released the thriller Raktabeej".
  30. ^ "Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy pass the 'thriller' test with flying colours with yet another film dotted with stereotypes".
  31. ^ "Raktabeej Review:অচেনা পিচে সাহসী ব্যাটিং নন্দিতা-শিবপ্রসাদের, পুজোর আবহে টানটান থ্রিলার 'রক্তবীজ'".
  32. ^ "রক্তবীজ Review".
  33. ^ "Raktabeej Review : North East Film Journal".
  34. ^ "Raktabeej Bengali Movie Review: A Captivating Thriller".
  35. ^ "Raktabeej Bengali Movie Review!".
  36. ^ "Raktabeej Movie Review : Where Tradition Meets Intrigue, a Thrilling Saga Unfolds".
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