International acclaimed filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee, along with the talented actress Rukmini Maitra, is all set to bring the epic tale of “Draupadi” to the silver screen. Following the success of the Bengali biopic “Binodini-Ekti Natir Upakhyan,” this film marks their second grand collaboration. “Draupadi” is a momentous endeavor, immersing audiences into the magical world of the timeless Mahabharata, skillfully crafted with grandeur by Bengal’s superstar Dev Adhikari and producer Pratik Chakravarti of Mumbai. The motion poster’s recent release on various social media platforms has created much excitement among the audience.
Directed by the renowned filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee from Bollywood, “Draupadi” will feature the leading lady Rukmini Maitra portraying the central character of Draupadi. The film draws inspiration from the award-winning Odia novel “Yajnaseni,” penned by the esteemed writer Pratibha Ray.
Speaking about the film, writer Pratibha Ray shared, “Ram Kamal Mukherjee contacted me through my publication, Rupa Publications, for the film rights of ‘Yajnaseni,’ and I am thrilled that the story of Mahabharat continues to resonate with Indian filmmakers. My book, ‘Yajnaseni,’ is based on the theme of ‘Yagnaseni’ from the perspective of the Mahabharata. Yajnaseni is a symbol of patience, penance, and strength. It is a creative collaboration, and with Ram Kamal being a writer himself, I am confident that he will do justice to Yagyaseni and her story. I believe it is the right time to revisit our epics and pass on our culture and heritage to the new generation.”
Rukmini Maitra, the leading Bengali actress, expressed her joy in working with Ram Kamal again, stating, “It’s a joy to reunite with Ram Kamal after the Binodini Ekti Nateer episode, as he has given me ease with characters that are very challenging to portray on screen. Guess what, these are the little perks that will make you happy while working with a friend. He wanted to make Draupadi, but he waited for the right time. It is an honor to be a part of Mahabharata, a subject very close to every Indian.”
As the script nears its finalization, the rest of the cast and technical team will be chosen. The film requires a minimum of four months of pre-production and rigorous workshops. Director Ram Kamal Mukherjee confirmed that “Draupadi” will be made in the Bengali language and released nationwide.
The journey of “Draupadi” promises to unfold a captivating world on the big screen, capturing the essence of this timeless epic and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of the audience.
