This is the best compliment I can get for my film

– Mr. Kim Jung Hyun, in reply to a comment stating that his film ‘Daddy, Grandpa and My Lady’ (in Indian Panorama – Non Feature film category) is very much like a feature film.

The film illustrates the intersection and interplay of three types of reality – the real space, the transition from the real to the theatrical space and pure theatre

-      Director Mr. Debesh Chatterjee and lead actor Ms. Paoli Dam, speaking on ‘Natoker Moto’.

These were some of the interesting observations made at the “Meet the Director – Indian Panorama” press conference, held on 26^th November, 2015 at IFFI 2015.

Speaking on his transition from theatre and his directorial debut in Bengali cinema, Mr. Debesh Chatterjee said that while the film is inspired by the life and struggle of the legendary Bengal theatre actress Kheya Chakraborty, it is not a 100% biopic. He said that he wrote the script based on three types of reality: that of the the real space, the transition from the real to the theatrical space, and the pure theatrical space. Narrating the long and personal journey behind the film, Mr. Chatterjee said that the film had its origin with his research work on Kheya in 1992, which led to a book and later to a script for theatre. However, he realized that theatrical space was not suited to expression of the realities he wanted to portray, resulting subsequently to ‘Natoker Moto’.

Complimenting Mr. Debesh for his maiden attempt at direction, the renowned actor Ms. Paoli Dam said she never felt that he was doing his debut film; she said that he knew his work well; she added that he had a very clear idea of his script – one which she found to be one of the best scripts she had taken up. Noting that it was a special and long journey for her too, Ms. Paoli narrated how she had to take a five-month long break to study the character and the actor Kheya Chakraborty. The lead actor said that the film led her to a renewed commitment to dedicate her life to the film profession. A childhood theatre artist, she revealed that the film gave her a unique insight into the realm of theatre; she described the experience as an enrichment that inspires her to work for theatrical dramas. Speaking about her stints in drama, the actor said: I used to have these sudden goose bumps where I would find myself lost in my fantasy of acting on stage.

Speaking about ‘Daddy, Grandpa and My Lady’, the director Kim Jung Hyun said that the film has a very simple and universal theme: irrespective of age, man’s longing for a woman in his life never disappears. Responding to a question, he said that he is working on another project set in India. Another of his answers revealed his belief that there are more commonalities than differences in the way men of different ages relate to women.

Backgrounders

1.      Natoker Moto (Indian Panorama – Feature)

Natoker Moto depicts the Kolkata sociocultural circuit spanning the years from 1950 to 1970s. It aspires to show the struggles a female artist has to go through even after two decades of globalization. Through an investigation into the sudden demise of a reputed actress, it an exploration of the ceaseless conflicts a female artist has to experience as she tries to make a place for herself in a male-dominated world.

Through the film, the Director portrays the life and struggle of a legendary actress of Kolkata. It intends to delve into the precise details of the artist’s life so as to expose the obstructions in the way and experience the journey of the artistic soul.

Director - Mr. Debesh Chatterjee has had a long and successful association with Bengali theatre. As an actor, he has acted in various films for over five years. Natoker Moto (Like a Play) is his directorial debut in Bengali cinema.

Actor Ms. Paoli Dam is an accomplished Indian film actress; she has acted in various Bengali, Hindi and Konkani films. She received international acclaim for her role in the 2011 Bengali film Chatrak, which was screened at film festivals in Cannes and Toronto. She made her debut in Bollywood with her much-appreciated role in the film ‘Hate Story’.

2.      Daddy Grandpa and My Lady – Indian Panorama (Non-Feature)

In Daddy, Grandpa and My Lady, a Korean woman Yuna moves into a small Indian city, where the neighbouring house is occupied by an old man who lives with his son and grandson. Yuna is trying to deal with the tragedy of losing her child a few years back and has come to India to work and escape from her pain. All three of her neighbours, both men and the boy, all belonging to different generations, fall in love with her in their own way.

Director Kim Jung Hyun completed his graduation in Film & Media from  Dongguk University, Seoul and did his post-graduation in direction and screenplay writing from Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata. He resides in the Republic of Korea.

Through the film, the Director wishes to convey that men are the same everywhere; their longing for a woman never disappears no matter how old they are, but the way they deal with it differs as they get older and wiser.