Ghosh examines diaspora in ‘Aro Ek Prithivi’

Kolkata, Feb 4 (PTI) National award winning director Atanu Ghosh examines diaspora in this “rootless age” and the issues its involves in his latest film ‘Aro Ek Prithivi’ (Another World), which released commercially on Friday.

‘Aro Ek Prithivi’ revolves around a young woman who relocates to London, another world so to say, and is faced with its dark underbelly – its politics, vices and violence, besides the pressing problems of urban existence in a typical metropolitan city like intense tensions and criminal behaviour.

The film explores the human mind and it’s behaviour. It is a combination of noir, a genre of crime film characterised by fatalisam and cynicism, besides drama and mystery, Ghosh, who won national recognition for his film ‘Mayurakshi’, told PTI.
He explains, “Throughout our lives we live in fragmented worlds.

A person who leaves home and travels to another country gets to discover many unknown worlds. In ‘Aro Ek Prithivi’ the protagonist Pratiksha’s turbulent journey to London is full of unexpected twists and turns as she faces grave risks and dangers and ultimately takes her from one world to another,” he said.

“Some migrants constantly look for a place to settle down and live peacefully. However, in this rootless age the concept of home has become elusive and tarnished. Unexpected actions, impulsive decisions, or momentary temptations can leave them on the streets with risks and threats looming large,” he said.

Ghosh said the protagonist’s character in the film is complex. In the first half of the film she is an introvert and rarely expresses herself verbally. She conveys all of her distress, fury, desire and desperation through her silent but distinctly recognisable expressions and reactions.

The protagonist’s role is played by Bangladeshi actor Tasnia Farin, of web series ‘Karagar’ fame. “Working with her, I found that she has the ability to analyse the script intelligently and comprehend it deeply. Additionally, she added her own experiences and perceptions to make the character even more authentic and vibrant,” he said.

Some of his previous films had elements of mystery. “This time it was noir, in which the darker sides of London were dealt with. The form was dictated by the storyline. The politics, vices and violence of the grand old city had to be examined. We also have to deal with some of the most pressing problems of urban existence, intense tensions and criminal behaviour,” said Ghosh, who also directed ‘Angshumaner Chhobi’ (Picture of Angshuman), ‘Binisutoy’ (Without Strings), ‘Abby Sen’ and ‘Rupkatha Noy’ (Not a fantasy tale).

‘Aro Ek Ptrithivi’ was shot extensively in different locations of London to depict the twists and turns of the protagonist’s life in the city, the grave risks and danger that she encounters and the intriguing young woman Ayesha she meets.

Asked about the reason behind casting a Bangladeshi actor in ‘Aro Ek Prithivi’, Ghosh said it was completed well before ‘Karagar’ was shot. “I found Tasnia to be very intuitive and expressive in some of her previous works”. ‘Aaro Ek Prithiv’i has ace director-actor Kaushik Ganguly, Saheb Bhattacharya and Anindita Bose in the cast.