The RG Kar incident is now coming to the big screen as a short film, set to release on Mahalaya. Directed by TMC student leader Prantik Chakraborty and starring TMC leader Rajanya Haldar, the film has sparked a debate over its potential political motivations.
The tragic death of a young medical student at RG Kar Medical College on August 9 has led to widespread protests across Kolkata, with junior doctors holding a 38-day sit-in, demanding justice. The city has witnessed continuous marches since August 14, with people demanding answers and justice. Even renowned singer Arijit Singh has composed a song about the incident.
However, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has been vocal against the protest movement, with several party members, including ministers, legislators, and MPs, making statements against it. In this context, the announcement of the film, titled “Agomoni: The Stories of Tilottamas”, has stirred further controversy. The film, said to be inspired by the RG Kar incident, has led to speculation about whether there is a political agenda behind its creation.
The film portrays the life of a young medical student who was reportedly raped and murdered while on duty at RG Kar Medical College. The horrific incident, which has outraged the state and the nation, has also put the ruling government under scrutiny.
The involvement of Rajanya Haldar, a former student of Presidency University who gained popularity after chanting ‘Azadi’ slogans during TMC’s July 21 rally, and Prantik Chakraborty, a TMC-affiliated student leader, has raised questions about the film’s objective. Given their political affiliations, many wonder if the film is an attempt to shape the narrative around the incident.
In an interview, Rajanya responded to these concerns, stating, “Yes, a new Rajanya was born on July 21, but I had a creative side long before entering politics. Politics is our profession, but this film has no political agenda. It is about the stories of women, or even men, who have faced harassment.”
While the film touches upon a topic currently under judicial review, Rajanya clarified that the RG Kar incident will not be directly portrayed. Instead, the backdrop of the story will reflect the surrounding atmosphere and societal context.
As anticipation builds for the film’s release, questions linger: Is this an artistic expression or a politically charged narrative? Only time will tell how the audience reacts to this blending of politics and cinema.