Introducing Alakesh Debnath, From a budding YouTuber to Independent Film Producer : Retro Kolkata

Though I am a teacher by profession but "Cinema" was always there in my mind. I had acted as well as directed few short films & one webseries in MX Player.This time it's a full length feature film named "Bijoya Dashami" starring Rajatava Dutta, Aryann, Gulshanara Khatun, Anindya Banerjee & a bunch of young talents from different theatre groups.It was my long wish to bring new talents in the industry. I am producing along with my brother Bhabotosh under the banner "Drishti Entertainment".Souvik Dey, a young & dynamic boy directed the film.

Retro Kolkata : From a budding YouTuber to independent film producer what makes you go like this way ?

Alakesh Debnath : First of all, I don't have any "God Father" in the Bengali Film Industry. When I was a regular Youtuber (Movie Reviewer @DAlex'Store) I used to get few harsh comments stating "You are criticising a film but have you made any feature film till date?" "First make a film then Criticize" etc. etc. I think it's a very common comment for any movie reviewer. So I have tried my best to give a fresh & unique content. I am really thankful to my team members who have made it possible. Family support was like an energy booster in this venture.

Retro Kolkata : Tell us about your journey

Alakesh Debnath :Though I am a teacher by profession but "Cinema" was always there in my mind. I had acted as well as directed few short films & one webseries in MX Player.This time it's a full length feature film named "Bijoya Dashami" starring Rajatava Dutta, Aryann, Gulshanara Khatun, Anindya Banerjee & a bunch of young talents from different theatre groups.It was my long wish to bring new talents in the industry. I am producing along with my brother Bhabotosh under the banner "Drishti Entertainment".Souvik Dey, a young & dynamic boy directed the film.

Retro Kolkata : Independent film making is a long time process and it’s like an art , what was your shortcomings when you decided to produce an independent film ?

Alakesh Debnath : Actually Budget is not a factor at all if you have a good idea.During Pre-Production we decided a making budget which went little bit higher during shoot.I think It's normal but still we had to go for cost cutting in various fields starting from shooting a chase sequence, making an entire police station set up etc. But I guess people will really appreciate our Art Director, DOP and entire crew members for their dedication in this independent project.

Retro Kolkata : What is the film “Bijoya Dashami “ about ?

Alakesh Debnath :Well it's a Thriller movie so I can't tell you more. Basically, it's a crime story with few social messages in it which will make the audience to think twice. We have experimented with the colour as well as background score of the film. I hope audience will enjoy it. It has a never seen before climax sequence which I can guarantee that no other Bengali film has shown before.

Retro Kolkata : Tell us about your future projects.

Alakesh Debnath :I am planning for another feature film which will belong to some other genre. A Bengali Webseries is also in our pipeline for a reputed OTT platform. Thank you.

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