Prosenjit Chatterjee has taken on a different kind of role after playing police officers and the mystery-solving Kakababu in several recent Bengali films from West Bengal. The veteran actor is now portraying a doctor for the first time in Doctor Kaku, which was released on 18 September.
Directed by Pavel, the film also stars Riddhi Sen and Ena Saha. At its centre is the story of a father and son, both of whom are doctors but have sharply different views on their profession and responsibility towards patients.
Their personal differences become more complicated when they must work together to save a patient’s life. The resulting tension between their relationship and professional responsibilities forms the heart of the film.
Doctor Kaku also explores economic inequality in healthcare. The film raises questions about the rising cost of quality medical treatment, the commercialisation of healthcare and the crisis of professional ethics.
Speaking about the film, Prosenjit said he is keen to learn from actors of the younger generation. His interest in the project was heightened by the presence of National Award-winning actor Riddhi Sen.
“If I like any of Riddhi’s work or videos, I message him even at midnight. The younger generation has developed its own language of acting, and it is important to adapt to that language. Whenever there was a complicated scene, I would sit with Riddhi and read the script before shooting,” Prosenjit said.
His role in Doctor Kaku goes beyond the professional identity of a doctor. The character reflects the mindset, beliefs and values of a middle-class Bengali man, while also dealing with a strained relationship with his son.
“The film captures the familiar atmosphere of middle-class Bengali life and remains close to our roots. Although the character feels familiar, I have never played such a role before,” Prosenjit said.
In another interview, the actor said his personal connection to such characters also drew him to the project.
“I am an emotional person and I like holding on to my roots and connections with the past. The film wanted to tell a story about those roots. I have also seen several ‘Doctor Kakus’ in my own life. So when I heard about the character, I could not turn it down,” he said.
Although Doctor Kaku has finally reached cinemas, its production began before the Covid-19 pandemic. The film has therefore taken several years to make its way to the big screen.
