Indira Dhar

Manas Basu’s last film Tollywood Focus with Swastika Mukherjee in the lead had got lost even before it could have a proper release.

But not one to lose heart, Basu is bouncing back with a film on love and betrayal. Aleyaa will feature Amitabha Bhattacharya, newcomer Sayantani, and veterans Chinmoy Roy and Shakuntala Barua.

Unlike Tollywood Focus, which tried to dig up the private lives of Tolly stars, Aleyaa is about lovebirds Pratik and Anindita (played by Amitabha and Sayantani) who get married to different people. A chance meeting years later rekindles the old passion and the story goes into flashback mode.

“I wanted to do something different after Tollywood Focus. Love stories have a timeless appeal. Besides, love stories are the biggest grossers in Tollywood these days. But there will be several twists and turns,” promises Basu.

However far in theme from Tollywood Focus, Aleyaa does have a filmi link — protagonist Pratik is a filmmaker by profession! Aleyaa rolls on the floors next week. The team will shoot in Mukutmanipur and Jhargram, apart from Calcutta.

Queen of his heart

Indira Dhar, 21, couldn’t have dreamt of a better launch. She’s Prosenjit’s leading lady in her very first film Mahakal, which releases on October 30. “I was thrilled to say the least when Swapanda (Ghosal, the director) offered me the role of Ratri opposite Prosenjit’s Joy. Bumbada (Prosenjit) was very patient on the sets and I have learnt a lot from him. Hope I get good offers after the film releases,” gushed Indira. Picture by Aranya Sen