Filmmaker duo Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy's much-awaited summer release Kontho's trailer got launched three days' back and it has already garnered more than two lakh views. The film, inspired by a true story, revolves around the life of a successful radio jockey Arjun Mallik, whose life suddenly takes a sharp turn when he gets diagnosed with laryngeal cancer. The whole world around him comes crashing down since his voice box needs to be removed. His wife, Pritha, played by Paoli Dam is herself a voice artist.
Kontho as an idea was conceived by Shiboprosad and Nandita 18 years back and Nandita initially thought of Soumitra Chatterjee for the role of Arjun. But after nearly two decades, Soumitra won't suit the role anymore. Hence my only choice, in that case, was Shiboprosad and no one else. After watching this movie, you will vouch that it's his best act so far," says Nandita.
"We had a tough task to make a serious subject like cancer very audience-friendly. As much as it's about a cancer survivor, it's also a story of relationships, love and struggle. It makes you realise that life can be cruel at times and take away the most precious thing or person from your life, but it can never take away your spirit to live and survive. So, it's also a movie of hope and how to live life to the fullest. It was difficult directing a film and acting in it at the same time but I am grateful to Nandita for giving me the role of a lifetime," says Shiboprosad.
Depression takes over Arjun when he sees his wife performing while his own career gets ruined. Meanwhile, Romilla, a speech therapist, played by Bangladeshi actor Jaya Ahsan, starts training Arjun to speak with through oesophageal voice and soon after that his life takes a positive turn.
"I researched and took training to understand the nuances of the job of a speech therapist. I have never played such a role before and it was satisfying as an actor to try out something so different. Shiboporsad and Nandita are very involved directors to work with and they make you comfortable so that you can bring out the best while shooting," says Jaya Ahsan.
Directed by Nandita and Shiboprosad, the films' music has been scored by Anindya Chatterjee, Anupam Roy and Prasen with heart-rending renditions by Sahana Bajpai and others. Produced by Windows, the cast of the movie comprises Shiboprosad Mukherjee, Paoli Dam, Jaya Ahsan, Chitra Sen, Koneenica Banerjee and Jimmy Tangree among others.
To watch the trailer, click the link below: