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In this exclusive interview with Ram Kamal Mukherjee, the acclaimed director of the biographical film Binodini, we delve into his creative journey, the challenges he faced, and the unique approach he took to bring the story of the iconic Bengali stage actress Binodini Dasi to life on screen. From the film’s recent screening at the Florida South Asian International Festival, where Ram Kamal received the Best Director Award, to his candid insights on casting, budget constraints, and his new venture Draupadi, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a director who is redefining storytelling in Indian cinema. Join me, Rashida Kharkhariwala from Urban Asia, as I sit down with Ram Kamal Mukherjee to discuss his cinematic vision, creative process, and the journey that brought Binodini to the global stage.
Interviewer: Your film Binodini was recently screened at the Florida South Asian International Festival, and you were honored with the Best Director Award. How does it feel to win such an award?
Ram Kamal Mukherjee: It is a huge honor. Having the film travel beyond India itself is a great achievement. When your film gets selected on a global platform, and people from different parts of the world appreciate it and understand your vision, it’s incredibly rewarding. The festival provided us with a fantastic platform, and the overwhelming support from the audience made the experience even more fulfilling.
Interviewer: It’s great to hear that! I was there at the festival, and I witnessed the incredible response firsthand. The theater was packed, and the audience gave a standing ovation.
Ram Kamal Mukherjee: Yes, I was informed about the screening, and I saw video clips where the theater was full. People were eager to watch the film, and the standing ovation we received was an unforgettable experience. It’s moments like these that really make all the hard work worthwhile.
Interviewer: What was your directorial approach to Binodini? Was it entirely based on historical facts or did you take creative liberties?
Ram Kamal Mukherjee: Binodini is a biopic, but I wanted to approach it differently. There are two ways to make a biopic: one is to stick strictly to historical accuracy, and the other is to incorporate imaginative elements while maintaining the essence of the story. I wanted to make this film visually grand, especially since it was my first Bengali-language film. Achieving a significant budget to recreate the 180-year-old era was challenging, but it was essential for the scale I envisioned.
Interviewer: The grandeur of the film is certainly noticeable. It really had a cinematic scale, much like a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film. How did you manage to make it on a relatively smaller budget compared to directors like Bhansali or Rajamouli?
Ram Kamal Mukherjee: Convincing producers to invest in such films is difficult, especially with the limited budget we had. While the grand visuals might remind people of a Bhansali film, we did not have the same level of financial backing. Nevertheless, I am grateful to my producers who believed in my vision. They took a risk, and we made the most of the resources we had to create something visually compelling.
Interviewer: One of the key aspects viewers noticed was Rukmini Maitra’s portrayal of Binodini. She is extremely beautiful, but in real life, Binodini Dasi wasn’t considered to be as stunning. How did you balance historical accuracy with the visual appeal of the film?
Ram Kamal Mukherjee: That’s a very good question! If you Google Binodini Dasi’s photos, you might think she wasn’t as glamorous as Rukmini. But beauty standards change over time. Back in the day, she was considered one of the most beautiful women, according to accounts from theater makers and books from that era. As filmmakers, we focus on capturing the soul of a character, not just their physical appearance. Rukmini was chosen for her ability to bring depth to the character, and we took creative liberties to enhance the visual appeal of the film. Our goal was to present Binodini in a way that held the audience’s attention throughout the movie.
Interviewer: Binodini features a diverse cast, including both seasoned actors like Kaushik Ganguly and newer faces like Rukmini. How did you approach casting for the film?
Ram Kamal Mukherjee: The casting process was a mix of careful planning and instinct. Rukmini was my first choice for Binodini because I felt she truly embodied the essence of the character. I also wanted to work with Kaushik Ganguly, who is not just a renowned actor but also an internationally acclaimed director. The rest of the cast was selected based on their ability to portray the essence of the real-life characters, even though some adjustments were made for the film’s needs. It was important to me that each actor brought something unique to their role, and working with both veterans and newcomers added a rich variety to the film.
Interviewer: Working with veteran actors versus newer actors must have different challenges. Would you say directing new actors is easier since they are more moldable?
Ram Kamal Mukherjee: Not entirely. While Rukmini was relatively new to playing a biographical role, she was already an established star in Bengali cinema. For her, this was a new challenge. However, she is incredibly dedicated and talented, and I spent a lot of time helping her embody the character. Experienced actors like Kaushik Ganguly already have their own process and bring a wealth of experience, which is equally valuable. Directing both types of actors has its own set of challenges, but ultimately it’s about ensuring that everyone stays true to the vision for the film.
Interviewer: The music of Binodini was integral to setting the tone for the film. How did you collaborate with your music directors to create a score that matched the period and flavor the film demanded?
Ram Kamal Mukherjee: The music journey was a long and beautiful one. My music directors had never composed for films before, but they were well-established in their own music careers. We worked together closely to integrate the period feel, using traditional instruments from that era while making it accessible for modern audiences. The process was challenging, especially sourcing traditional instruments, but the result was worth the effort.
Interviewer: The music must have required a lot of effort. Were there any challenges during the recording process?
Ram Kamal Mukherjee: Yes, it was a challenging process. The music took almost a year to complete, and we had to source specific instruments from various parts of the country. Some days in the studio were exhausting, but I kept the team motivated by creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere. We worked through the challenges, and in the end, the music perfectly complemented the film.
Interviewer: Your work as a director was remarkable, and you even took on the role of lyricist for the film’s songs. How did that come about?
Ram Kamal Mukherjee: The music directors actually inspired me to write lyrics for the film. When we couldn’t find the right lyricist, they suggested I try writing the lyrics myself. Since I knew the story best, I started writing, and the team encouraged me to continue. It was a new experience for me, and I learned a lot about structuring lyrics rhythmically and ensuring they aligned with the music. In the end, I ended up writing all the songs for the film.
Interviewer: That’s incredible! Now, how long did it take to complete the entire project, from concept to the first day of shooting?
Ram Kamal Mukherjee: We conceived the film in 2019, but securing the budget was a long process. The pandemic hit, and we faced significant challenges in securing funding. Studios were hesitant to back the project, and many investors pulled out. Despite this, we remained hopeful, and in the end, we were able to make it happen.
Interviewer: With all the hurdles you faced, it must have been incredibly tough. Now, you’ve announced your next project, Draupadi. Will it be in Hindi or Bengali?
Ram Kamal Mukherjee: I’m excited about Draupadi, but once again, we’re facing challenges in securing backing. The film offers a unique perspective on the Mahabharata, and I need the right studio and investors to make it a reality. It will depend on the support we can secure.
Interviewer: What stage is Draupadi at now?
Ram Kamal Mukherjee: We’ve been working on it for six months, including character looks, costumes, and screenplays. While we have some partial producers on board, we are now looking for additional partners to help fund the project. I hope we can move forward without delays.
Interviewer: Draupadi has always been portrayed in relation to the Pandavas. What new perspective are you bringing to her story?
Ram Kamal Mukherjee: Exactly! Draupadi has always been portrayed in relation to the Pandavas, but her own story is rarely explored. This film will focus on her perspective, offering a fresh take on the Mahabharata.
Interviewer: What’s next for the project?
Ram Kamal Mukherjee: Right now, we are looking for investors who align with our vision. The project is ready to move forward, and I’m hopeful we can get the right backing soon.
Interviewer: What’s your final message for the audience?
Ram Kamal Mukherjee: I’m truly grateful for the support and recognition the film has received. It means a lot to me to talk with someone who has actually seen the film. I hope Binodini continues to resonate with audiences, and I appreciate your time and thoughtful questions. Thank you!
