Preview: 'Ogo Badhu Sundari'

Producer:  J. De Silva
Direction: Sunando Mitra
Cast: Babul Supriyo, Monami Ghosh, Mousumi Chatterjee, Arnab Bondopadhyay, Kharaj Mukhopadhyay, Haradhan Bondyopadhyay, Sabitri Chatterjee
Music: Bappi Lahiri
Releasing on: Pujas 2009

A film that shares the title of Uttam Kumar’s final goodbye to Bengali cinema is bound to raise eyebrows. On the sets of Sunando Mitra’s Ogo Badhu Sundari in 2009, one wonders if the modern-day version can compare with the classic comedy of Salil Dutta’s 1981 version. Director Sunando Mitra insists his film is not a remake, but that he’s moulded the earlier film to fit in modern times.

Stepping into Uttam’s shoes is singer Babul Supriyo – a surprising choice given that Ogo Badhu Sundari is one of the late Prince of Tollywood’s last and most-loved celluloid appearances. With Babul playing Gagan, this “homage” to Uttam Kumar already seems to be on a sticky wicket. Mitra asserts that “no comparisons” will be made between Uttam and Babul, but viewers aren’t likely to stay away from contrasting the two.

There is also Monami Ghosh playing the part of Savitri, essayed hilariously by Mousumi Chatterjee in the 1981 version. Sreelekha steps into Sumitra Mukherjee’s role, while Arnab Bondopadhyay, Kharaj Mukherjee and Haradhan Bondyopadhyay take on the other main characters. There are no changes really, except that the director deviates by introducing a new character, played by Sabitri Chatterjee.

The recasting of the very popular My Fair Lady in the Bengali film format worked in the Ogo Badhu Sundari of 1981. But can the classic tale work its box office magic in the new version? Only time will tell.


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