Ujaan Ganguly makes directorial debut with Katukutu Buro; Jaya Ahsan, Jisshu Sengupta, Kaushik Ganguly attend star-studded premiere

Among those attending the star-studded premiere at INOX South City Mall were Jaya Ahsan, Jisshu Sengupta, Kaushik Ganguly, Churni Ganguly, along with Gaurav Chakraborty, Rwitobroto Mukherjee, Bonny Sengupta, Koushani Mukherjee, Angana Roy and several other actors and filmmakers.

Jaya Ahsan at the premiere. Photo: Ditsa Dutta

Backed by SVF, the Bengali social thriller released in theatres on Friday, marking Ujaan's feature directorial debut after his acting debut in Pavel Bhattacharjee's critically acclaimed Rosogolla (2018).

Members of the Bengali film fraternity arrived throughout the evening for the premiere. Guests were welcomed with purple and green feathers symbolising the colours of the film's superhero character, while a replica of the superhero alter ego featured in the film was displayed at the venue.

Bonny Sengupta and Angana Roy. Photo: Ditsa Dutta

Speaking to IBNS ahead of the screening, Ujaan Ganguly said he wanted audiences to approach Katukutu Buro without any preconceived expectations.

"They should not expect anything because there are so many things they are going to encounter—things that are comfortable, things that are funny, some things that are a little uncomfortable as well, some truths that we have long suppressed and, on the other hand, some jokes that we haven't cracked," he said.

Explaining the film's approach, the debutant director said Katukutu Buro deliberately moves away from the conventions of a traditional Bengali superhero film.

Ujaan Ganguly at the premiere. Photo: Ditsa Dutta

Reflecting on his journey as a filmmaker, Ujaan said growing up in a family deeply immersed in cinema shaped his perspective on storytelling.

"I have been watching Bengali cinema since childhood. Growing up in that atmosphere has had a profound influence on how I look at cinema, and I hope that is reflected in my work," he said.

Actor Churni Ganguly, speaking as a mother rather than an actor, expressed pride in her son's achievement.

"I am here as a mother, not as an actor," she said, adding that Ujaan had devoted immense time and effort to the film and expressing hope that audiences would embrace it.

Actor Churni Ganguly at the premiere. Photo: Ditsa Dutta

National Award-winning filmmaker Kaushik Ganguly said he had advised his son not to get carried away by the initial reviews and instead wait for the audience's response after the film's release.

Actor Jisshu Sengupta praised the younger generation of filmmakers for bringing fresh ideas to Bengali cinema and said filmmakers like Ujaan were opening up new creative possibilities for the industry.

Riddhima Ghosh and Gourab Chakrabarty. Photo: Ditsa Dutta

Katukutu Buro follows Kedar Barua, a young man haunted by his past as he searches for hope in a morally fractured city. Blending mystery, psychological drama and social commentary, the film explores themes of love, redemption and vigilantism while offering a fresh take on the superhero genre.

Released across major theatres on July 25, Katukutu Buro marks the beginning of Ujaan Ganguly's journey as a feature film director.

(Reporting by Swastik Sarkar, Photos by Ditsa Dutta)