“From Passion to Global Recognition: Dibyadoot Roy Chowdhury on Crafting Cinema Beyond Limitations”
By Nihal Kumar Dutta, TWM News
In an era where big budgets often dominate the cinematic landscape, filmmaker Dibyadoot Roy Chowdhury proves that true storytelling thrives on passion, resilience, and vision. His short film “Ekhane Durga Thakto” has not only touched hearts but also earned recognition across prestigious national and international film festivals.
Heartfelt thanks to our producers, Prajit De and Dilip Badhai, and special gratitude to Sourav Chakraborty (IKSFF) for presenting the film on the Shortflicks YouTube channel.
In this exclusive and in-depth conversation with TWM News, Nihal Kumar Dutta speaks with the filmmaker about his journey, challenges, personal dynamics on set, and the evolving meaning of cinema.
Q: “Ekhane Durga Thakto” has received wide appreciation. Tell us about the journey of this film.
Dibyadoot Roy Chowdhury:
The journey of this film has been deeply personal and incredibly fulfilling. What makes it truly special is that we created it entirely within our own space, with very limited resources but a strong sense of passion and commitment.
From the initial idea to its final release on the Shortflicks YouTube channel, every step came with its own set of challenges. There were moments of doubt and uncertainty, but the team’s belief in the story kept us moving forward.
In many ways, this film is not just a project it reflects our resilience, creativity, and deep love for cinema. Seeing it finally reach the audience felt surreal, and we are grateful that we could share our story with the world.
Q: You worked with your wife in the film. How did you balance being a director and a husband on set?
Dibyadoot Roy Chowdhury:
That’s indeed a delicate balance. As a director, my primary responsibility is towards the story. I have to remain objective, focused, and at times even demanding to bring out the best performance.
But as a husband, there is naturally an emotional connection. Watching your partner go through intense or emotionally draining scenes is not easy.
The toughest part is maintaining a clear boundary between personal emotions and professional decisions. On set, I make it a point to treat her like any other actor offering honest feedback without letting personal bias interfere.
At the same time, there is a deep level of trust and understanding between us, which ultimately strengthens the creative process. That comfort often translates into more authentic and powerful performances on screen.
Q: What does cinema mean to you personally?
Dibyadoot Roy Chowdhury:
For me, cinema is much more than just filmmaking. It is a medium of expressing emotions, questioning perspectives, and connecting with people on a deeper level.
Cinema allows you to reflect society, evoke thought, and sometimes even challenge norms. I believe this journey is constantly evolving, and there are many more stories waiting to be told.
Q: Tell us about your cast and crew. How important were they to this project?
Dibyadoot Roy Chowdhury:
I feel extremely fortunate to have had such a wonderful team. One of the most special aspects of this film was the presence of my mentor, the renowned theatre artist Kamal Chatterjee, who played the character of Sudarshan.
Sritanya Chakraborty, who portrayed Pratima, brought immense depth and sensitivity to her role, while Bikram Sarkar, as her brother, added strength to the narrative.
Our D.O.P Ritayan Roy played a crucial role in shaping the visual language of the film.
Interestingly, I handled the story, screenplay, music, editing, and direction myself. It was a challenging process, but also one of the most creatively satisfying experiences of my life.
Q: The film has been selected in multiple festivals and has won awards. How do you view this recognition?
Dibyadoot Roy Chowdhury:
It is truly an honour for all of us. The film has been officially selected in several prestigious festivals like the International Kolkata Short Film Festival, Durgapur International Film Festival, Goa International Film Competition, Ahmedabad International Film Festival, and Bengaluru International Short Film Festival.
We received the Jury Appreciation Award at Durgapur for the most unique work. At the 4th West Bengal Short Film Festival, Sritanya Chakraborty won Best Actress, and I was honoured with Best Director of the Festival.
These recognitions validate our efforts and motivate us to continue telling meaningful stories.
Q: What has this film taught you as a filmmaker and as a person?
Dibyadoot Roy Chowdhury:
This film taught me that limitations are often just in our minds. If you truly believe in your story and stay committed, you can overcome any obstacle.
Every film takes you one step closer to your dream. “Ekhane Durga Thakto” is very close to my heart, and it will remain with me forever.
Q: What’s next for you?
Dibyadoot Roy Chowdhury:
We are currently working on our upcoming project titled “The Red Nose.” It’s a story about a child and a joker who are searching for smiles in society.
It’s again a very emotional and socially relevant narrative, and we are excited to bring it to the audience soon.
Q: Any message for aspiring filmmakers?
Dibyadoot Roy Chowdhury:
I would say don’t wait for the perfect moment or big resources. If you have a story to tell, start with whatever you have.
Cinema is about honesty, passion, and persistence. If you stay true to your vision, the journey itself will become your biggest reward.
Click for the Film 🎬
https://youtu.be/8Lg6RuBF-cU?si=c9TxC9bl5bEOy2Fa