Mumbai: Warner Music Group India has made its first Bengali acquisition by acquiring worldwide sales and distribution rights of the much-awaited film, “Avijatrik – The Wanderlust Of Apu.” The film is produced by Gaurang Films & Bhandarkar Entertainment and co-presented by NCKS Explorations.
“Avijatrik” is a unique film with a rich legacy & soulful music, with the enduring and endearing character of ‘Apu’ is all set to return after 60 years to the big screens on 3 December. It is a sequel to the classic “Apu Trilogy,” directed by Satyajit Ray & BG score by Pt Ravi Shankar.
The plot takes off from where “The Apu Trilogy” had ended in 1959 with “Apur Sansar.” The story revolves around a sublime bond between a father (Apu) and his six-year-old son (Kajol). The film has explored a beautiful tapestry of pure interpersonal relationships to recreate the magic of Apu– sharing adventures with his beloved son, Kajol and is directed by Subhrajit Mitra. “Avijatrik” has been shot in B&W with an ensemble of experienced cast and crew at 68 locations to retain the rich aesthetic flavour that compliments its backdrop of 1940’s India. It stars Arjun Chakrabarty (as Apu), Ditipriya Roy, Arpita Chatterjee, and Sabyasachi Chakrabarty in key roles.
The music of this film is by the internationally acclaimed exponent of the Indian classical genre Pt Bickram Ghosh and the title track is a variation by Anoushka Shankar, of her father Pt Ravi Shankar’s iconic “Pather Panchali” theme. “I am happy to be a part of Avijatrik as a small tribute to my father,” commented Anoushka.
The film has traveled to 32 film festivals worldwide, garnering multiple accolades. Pt Bickram Ghosh has already received two awards for Best Music for his beautiful compositions & BG score at the Montreal Independent Film Festival, Canada, and Caleidoscope Indian Film Festival of Boston USA. “The music of Avijatrik is very special for me, as is the validation of it by Chinamma (Smt Sukaya Shankar Ji). The plan was to bring back traditional instruments, the soundscape of the ’40s, the best of the raga culture, and folk music. I am honoured that I got this project and feel grateful for the awards,” said Pt Bickram Ghosh.
The trailer of Avijatrik is also creating waves and has already had nearly 800,000 views so far.
Speaking about this alliance with WMI, producer Gaurang Jalan stated, “Team Avijatrik is delighted with this association and hopes that music of this film will travel far and wide with their global experience& leadership.”
Co-presenter Madhur Bhandarkar added, “We are delighted with the association with WMI &there would be no better reward than the music of this film reigniting the love for Indian classical music, globally!”
