Journalist-actor Dulal Dey is returning to the director’s chair with Phand, a political drama that will explore three chapters from Bengal’s political history. The film features Anirban Chakraborty, Ritwik Chakraborty, Isha Saha, Arjun Chakraborty, Suhotra Mukherjee, Sayan Ghosh and Kunal Ghosh in key roles.
After several years away from directing, journalist and actor Dulal Dey is preparing to return behind the camera.
The filmmaker officially announced his second directorial venture, Phand, along with its principal cast on Sunday.
Known for his work as a sports journalist and for his involvement in Bengali cinema, Dulal Dey made his directorial debut with Aranyer Prachin Probad in 2018. He has also appeared as an actor in Bengali films.
This time, however, he is moving away from a conventional sports mystery and entering the territory of political drama.
Dulal Dey’s New Film Explores Bengal’s Political History
According to the filmmaker, Phand will examine three chapters from the political history of Bengal.
Rather than presenting politics through a single straightforward narrative, the director says the film will explore different layers within its characters.
Dulal Dey described the project as a political drama featuring characters and situations that have contemporary relevance.
His intention, he explained, is to create a story that today’s generation can also connect with.
The film therefore appears to combine historical and contemporary perspectives rather than functioning simply as a political chronicle.
Anirban Chakraborty to Play a Leader
One of the most recognisable faces in the cast is Anirban Chakraborty, widely known for his portrayal of detective Eken Babu.
In Phand, the actor will reportedly take on the role of a political leader.
The part represents a departure from the detective persona that has become closely associated with him in Bengali popular culture.
Dulal Dey said that he had previously discussed the possibility of working with Anirban on his earlier film, but that collaboration did not materialise at the time.
The director is now finally bringing the actor into his new project.
Ritwik Chakraborty Takes on a Grey Character
Ritwik Chakraborty is another major name in the ensemble.
The actor will reportedly play a grey-shaded character who functions as the antagonist of the story.
His presence adds another layer of complexity to the political narrative, particularly because the film is expected to focus on conflicting motivations rather than straightforward heroes and villains.
Ritwik said he had known Dulal Dey for a long time and had previously heard about the story the filmmaker was developing.
After hearing the full concept, the actor reportedly expressed confidence in the material.
Isha Saha and Arjun Chakraborty Reunite
The film also brings Isha Saha and Arjun Chakraborty together once again.
The pair have previously appeared together, including in the popular Sonada franchise.
Their reunion in Phand is expected to be one of the film’s attractions.
However, this time their characters will be part of a story that combines politics, personal relationships and conflict.
According to reports surrounding the project, a love triangle involving Isha Saha, Arjun Chakraborty and Suhotra Mukherjee will also form part of the narrative.
The filmmakers have not revealed extensive details about the romantic track.
Isha Saha Says She Heard the Script Years Ago
Isha Saha reportedly revealed that she had first heard the script around five years ago.
The project subsequently went through various developments before finally being formally announced.
The actress described the film as an exciting opportunity and suggested that the long wait has finally led to the project taking shape.
Her collaboration with Dulal Dey also has an interesting connection to her earlier association with the director through Aranyer Prachin Probad.
Arjun Chakraborty Excited About the Ensemble
For Arjun Chakraborty, one of the biggest attractions of Phand is the opportunity to work with a large ensemble of actors.
He said he has previously worked with several members of the cast individually, but the new film gives him the chance to collaborate with the entire team on one project.
That combination of established performers and different acting styles could become an important feature of the film.
Kunal Ghosh to Appear as a Police Officer
The casting announcement also generated attention because of Kunal Ghosh.
Following his earlier appearances in films such as Camphor, Ghosh is reportedly set to take on another role in Phand.
This time, he is expected to portray a police officer rather than a political leader.
His involvement has naturally attracted interest because of the film’s political setting.
However, the character details have not been fully disclosed.
Politics and Romance Will Meet in the Story
While Phand is being positioned primarily as a political drama, the film will reportedly have a significant personal and romantic dimension.
The reported love triangle involving Isha Saha, Arjun Chakraborty and Suhotra Mukherjee is expected to add an emotional layer to the political storyline.
Dulal Dey has remained relatively guarded about the finer details of the plot.
That approach suggests that the filmmaker intends to preserve some surprises for audiences.
Football Will Also Have a Role
Despite the film’s political subject, football remains connected to Dulal Dey’s background as a sports journalist.
Former footballer José Ramírez Barreto was reportedly present at the film’s announcement event.
His appearance naturally led to questions about whether the former football star would also feature in the film.
Dulal Dey indicated that Barreto is not currently part of the confirmed cast, while leaving open the possibility that he could eventually appear.
That uncertainty has added another small element of curiosity around the project.
Filming to Begin in Kolkata
The shooting of Phand is scheduled to take place in Kolkata and surrounding suburban locations, with production expected to begin in March.
The film’s visual responsibility will be handled by cinematographer Indranath Marik, known for his work on projects including Bahurupi and Vijayanagarer Heere.
Dulal Dey is taking on multiple creative responsibilities for the project.
In addition to directing, he has reportedly written the screenplay and dialogues.
Music for the film will be composed by Ranjoy Bhattacharjee.
A Different Direction for Dulal Dey
Dulal Dey’s return to filmmaking marks a significant change in subject from his debut.
His first directorial project, Aranyer Prachin Probad, was associated with the sports-detective genre.
With Phand, he is attempting a more politically layered narrative involving history, power, personal relationships and contemporary relevance.
The combination of an ensemble cast and a subject rooted in Bengal’s political history makes the project one to watch in the Bengali film space.
For now, audiences will have to wait for further details about the characters, storyline and release plans.
