Saurabh Mukherjee
The screening of two iconic films by legendary filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak was allegedly halted in South Kolkata’s Naktala area due to pressure from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). The controversy arose over Ghatak's 1970 documentary film Amar Lenin, as the title contained the name of the iconic Russian communist leader, Valdimir Lenin.
The screening was planned as part of Ghatak’s birth centenary celebrations, with two of his films—Komal Gandhar and Amar Lenin—scheduled to be shown at 6:30 PM on Monday, February 10.
The school, located in the neighbourhood of former TMC minister Partha Chatterjee, who is currently imprisoned in a corruption case, initially granted permission for the event.
Sudden Cancellation Under Pressure
The cultural organization Setu, which organized the screening, had secured approval from the school principal, Atin Das. However, while the permission request did not explicitly mention the film titles, the names were widely advertised through promotional banners, leaflets, and social media. The organizers had also extended invitations to the school’s teachers.
On February 5, the principal unexpectedly revoked the permission, citing concerns over potential vandalism. He claimed that certain individuals warned him that allowing the screening could lead to violence, specifically objecting to the film Amar Lenin.
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A screengrab from the movie Amar Lenin on YouTube.
"I initially thought the event was a discussion about Ritwik Ghatak’s works, which is why I gave permission. However, I was later informed through social media posts that the screening included Amar Lenin, which led to objections. I was not aware of the film names beforehand," said the principal.
Alternative Venue Also Blocked
Following the cancellation, Setu proposed screening only Komal Gandhar, excluding Amar Lenin, but this too was denied. The organization then approached the local club Bohni, which initially agreed to host the event.
However, at the last moment, the club withdrew its approval, citing “pressure from above.”
Street Screening Planned as Protest
With both the school and the club refusing to allow the screening, Setu has temporarily suspended the event. However, the organizers have announced plans to screen the films in an open street setting in the near future.
The incident has sparked criticism over political interference in cultural events, raising concerns about freedom of artistic expression in Bengal.
The screening was planned as part of Ghatak’s birth centenary celebrations, with two of his films—Komal Gandhar and Amar Lenin—scheduled to be shown at 6:30 PM on Monday, February 10.
The school, located in the neighbourhood of former TMC minister Partha Chatterjee, who is currently imprisoned in a corruption case, initially granted permission for the event.
Sudden Cancellation Under Pressure
The cultural organization Setu, which organized the screening, had secured approval from the school principal, Atin Das. However, while the permission request did not explicitly mention the film titles, the names were widely advertised through promotional banners, leaflets, and social media. The organizers had also extended invitations to the school’s teachers.
On February 5, the principal unexpectedly revoked the permission, citing concerns over potential vandalism. He claimed that certain individuals warned him that allowing the screening could lead to violence, specifically objecting to the film Amar Lenin.
A screengrab from the movie Amar Lenin on YouTube."I initially thought the event was a discussion about Ritwik Ghatak’s works, which is why I gave permission. However, I was later informed through social media posts that the screening included Amar Lenin, which led to objections. I was not aware of the film names beforehand," said the principal.
Alternative Venue Also Blocked
Following the cancellation, Setu proposed screening only Komal Gandhar, excluding Amar Lenin, but this too was denied. The organization then approached the local club Bohni, which initially agreed to host the event.
However, at the last moment, the club withdrew its approval, citing “pressure from above.”
Street Screening Planned as Protest
With both the school and the club refusing to allow the screening, Setu has temporarily suspended the event. However, the organizers have announced plans to screen the films in an open street setting in the near future.
The incident has sparked criticism over political interference in cultural events, raising concerns about freedom of artistic expression in Bengal.
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