Filmmaker Shankha Dasgupta has built a strong reputation on the small screen, with several of his works earning praise from audiences and critics alike. His projects ‘Guti’ and ‘Priyo Maloti’, along with his recent release ‘Cha Gorom’ on Chorki, have drawn particular attention for their distinct storytelling.
Reflecting on the response over a candid interview with TIMES, Dasgupta remains measured. “If people are saying it is good, then it must be,” he said. “But I would not call it ultimate success. For me, success is when a film stands the test of time or when viewers return to it.”
A closer look at his work reveals a recurring focus on layered narratives and strong character arcs. Female characters, in particular, play central roles across his projects.
Dasgupta, however, says this is not a deliberate attempt to make a statement. “In reality, women often carry the greatest pressures and conflicts silently. I try to reflect that truth in my stories,” he explained.
He added that he does not set out to create women-centric stories, but allows the narrative to guide him. “The character comes first, whether it is a man or a woman,” he said.
Themes of politics and religion also appear in his work, though Dasgupta insists these elements emerge organically. “They are part of everyday life. Avoiding them would feel artificial,” he noted.
Another hallmark of his storytelling is the prominence of supporting characters. From Shahriar Nazim Joy in Guti to Rizvi Riju and Shahjahan Samrat in Priyo Maloti, and Robin Chand Murmu in Cha Gorom, these roles have left a lasting impression.
“I am not interested in creating a ‘hero’. I want to portray human beings. In life, the most important person is not always the one at the centre,” he said.
Dialogue plays a key role in his narratives, often carrying deeper meaning beneath simple exchanges. Dasgupta acknowledged the challenge of maintaining balance. “Dialogue creates imagery as well as information, but there is always a risk of becoming overly serious,” he said.
For Cha Gorom, Dasgupta spent time with tea garden workers to better understand their lives. The film reflects their realities through personal stories rather than broad statements. “When a story is personal, it becomes powerful. That is why the tone is intentionally restrained,” he explained.
Released on April 14, Cha Gorom, written by Saifullah Riad, casts Safa Kabir, Rezwan Pervez, Sarah Jabin Aditi, Partho Sheikh and A K Azad Shetu.
