Raahgir Shines at French Film Festival Kolkata

Goutam Ghose's critically acclaimed Hindi film Raahgir received a warm and enthusiastic reception at the French Film Festival here.The Film Festival held at the Nandan Theatre was attended by Bollywood Actor Naseeruddin Shah; Goutam Ghose, Director & Actor; Amit Agarwal, Producer; Nicolas Facino, Director of Alliance Française Du Bengale; Didier Talpain, Consul General of France in Kolkata & many other eminent personalities.

Raahgir produced by Amit Agarwal under his production house Adarsh Telemedia, continues its successful journey through international and national film festivals, earning accolades globally for its compelling storytelling and remarkable performances by Adil Hussain, Tillotama Shome, and Neeraj Kabi.At the festival, Raahgir stood out for its poignant portrayal of humanity and compassion in a world that is increasingly inhumane and intolerant.

In a heartfelt address, internationally renowned filmmaker Goutam Ghose explained, "Whenever I make something, it comes from a strong urge and a clear purpose. Raahgir is about humanity and compassion, and I invite you to join us on this cinematic journey in time and space."

The screening was made even more special with the presence of legendary actor Naseeruddin Shah, who shared his insights about the film. He drew a comparison between Raahgir and Ghose’s earlier work PAAR, further amplifying the film's emotional depth and relevance.

Amit Agarwal, the producer behind the film, expressed his excitement about the international recognition Raahgir is garnering."It’s incredibly encouraging to see the film continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Goutam Ghose is a true master of cinema, and it has been an honor to collaborate with him on this project. Though the film has not been commercially released yet, we are confident that it will reach even more viewers soon, continuing its creative journey," he said.

The film's production journey was also highlighted, with Ghose recounting his experiences shooting in the rural landscapes of Jharkhand, where the local villagers often mistook the cast for real-life villagers. The production also benefited from favourable weather conditions, allowing the shoot to finish ahead of schedule.

Amit Agarwal, known for his work on M.S. Dhoni – The Untold Story and Simran, added, “Raahgir has a long shelf life, and the love it continues to receive proves that good cinema always finds its audience. I'm grateful that Naseeruddin Shah's endorsement of the film has given me the motivation to pursue more such meaningful projects in the future."

The French Film Festival Kolkata, organized by Alliance Française du Bengale, the Consulate General of France, and Nandan, featured a rich lineup of films, including renowned Indian masterpieces such as Ghare Baire, Kharij, Manthan, Shameless, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, and Manto.

Nicholas Facino, Director of Alliance Française du Bengale, praised Goutam Ghose's work, noting, "Goutam Ghose's films carry the salt of Indian storytelling, and Raahgir is one such gem. We are proud to have celebrated it in this year’s festival."

Raahgir has already made an indelible mark on the international film circuit, having been showcased at prestigious festivals such as Busan International Film Festival, MAMI – Mumbai Film Festival, CinemAsia Film Festival Amsterdam, KIFF – Kolkata International Film Festival, IFFK – International Film Festival of Kerala, and PIFF – Pune International Film Festival.

With its screening at the French Film Festival Kolkata, Raahgir adds yet another feather to its illustrious cap, continuing its journey to connect with film lovers worldwide.(UNI)