Amidst controversies engulfing Indian films, especially those that give out a political point of view, Bengalis of Ahmedabad have taken a plunge, by coming together for screening of a film, that was recently banned in Kolkata.

The film, Bhobishyoter Bhoot is a black comedy with political overtones in which the filmmaker has mocked political parties and ideologies across board – from the cow politics of the BJP and the RSS, to the luddite Marxism of the Left Front in Bengal, to radical Islam. The film was recently banned in Kolkata after which the filmmakers approached the Supreme Court to lift the ban.

The film, that was screened in Ahmedabad last weekend brought 500 Bengalis on first day (Saturday) of its screening. Speaking about the same, Akash Chowdhry, who heads 'Bengalis in Ahmedabad', who organised the film said, "I was eager to watch the film as I am a great fan of director Anik Dutta. I was shocked to hear that the movie has been banned. Hence, I decided to bring the film to Ahmedabad. The producer of the film Billy Chatterjee assured me that Bengalis in Ahmedabad will be the first to screen from the country."

One of the viewer Kanak Das Adhikary, general secretary, Bengali Cultural Association said, "The film has shown the truth about all political parties including the Left, TMC, BJP-RSS, CPM. The situation in Kolkata is becoming worse, and all parties seem to be following the same path. It also threw light on the fact that people are being killed in the name of cow. It stressed on how intolerant we have become."

Chowdhry said, "Usually there is a charge of Rs 40,000 to Rs 75,000 for downloading a movie. However, a minimum charge was taken by the Satellite technicians and the miniplex provided us with security. I also received few prank calls from Kolkata to know if it is screening in Ahmedabad and received some messages from Kolkata who encouraged the act.

We are also skeptical as BJP Party President Amit Shah's road show was being held in city. Thankfully, everything went smooth."

THE FILM

• The film, Bhobishyoter Bhoot is a black comedy with political overtones in which the filmmaker has mocked political parties and fascist beliefs and ideologies.   
• The film was recently banned in Kolkata after which the filmmakers approached the Supreme Court to lift the ban.