Ritwick-Solanki's New Journey with 'Bhagyalakshmi'
Shooting for Mainak Bhaumik’s much-anticipated film Bhagyalakshmi kicked off on September 22 at the iconic Chowdhury Villa in South Kolkata. Fans are buzzing with excitement to see how the chemistry between Ritwick Chakraborty and Solanki Roy plays out on screen. Known for his unique storytelling, Mainak is diving deep into the world of mystery and thrillers with this project. The film revolves around Ritwick, playing the role of a journalist, who gets entangled in a high-profile drug case, while Solanki takes on a key role opposite him. A stellar supporting cast, including Sujan Neel Mukhopadhyay, Loknath Dey, and Debapriyo, promises to add even more intensity to the gripping plot.
Filming began in South Kolkata’s alleys, with the rain playing a mischievous role in halting production for a couple of hours each day. Mainak shares, "Rain was always a factor. Whenever it slowed down, we got back to shooting." The first day saw shoots featuring Loknath, Sujan Neel, and Debapriyo, while the second day had Ritwick and Solanki stepping in front of the camera. Having worked with Ritwick multiple times in the past, Mainak was thrilled to reunite with the actor, saying, “It’s been a long time since we last collaborated, and it feels great to work together again.” He is equally excited to pair Solanki opposite Ritwick, expressing, “There’s a certain joy in working with a fresh on-screen couple.”
The film weaves together mystery, relationships, and Kolkata’s rich cultural landscape. Mainak hints that the wardrobe and character designs have been crafted to match the unique, layered narrative of the story. Though the outdoor shoot with the lead pair hasn’t started yet, the film draws inspiration from a real-life incident in Kolkata, with the city itself becoming a character in the film. Mainak hopes to wrap up production by early October, aiming for a release sometime next year.
In addition to the suspense of the drug case, Bhagyalakshmi will also touch on the Bengali film industry’s highs and lows, which have recently come into the spotlight. Through Swastika Dutta’s character, Mainak plans to showcase different aspects of the film industry. When asked if the film's connection to this debated topic has fueled the curiosity, Mainak teased, “If I reveal everything now, would people still want to watch it in theaters?” He adds, "Like in my earlier film Cholochitro Circus, this topic fits naturally into the script. How good or bad Tollywood really is—I'll leave that for the audience to decide."