The trailer launch of Vijaynagar’er Hirey unfolded like a scene straight out of a Sunil Gangopadhyay novel. Held in the open-air courtyard of the Indian Museum earlier this week, the evening carried an unmistakable sense of anticipation — part cinematic spectacle, part childhood memory. As dusk settled over the historic arches, the space filled with fans, families and a noticeable number of children clutching books, posters and phones, all waiting for Kakababu to return to the big screen once more.

The evening, however, took its own unhurried course. Fans waited patiently in the museum courtyard, their excitement kept alive by the film’s music echoing through the space. Jaatra shubho hok played on loop — once, twice, then again — quickly turning into an unofficial anthem of the evening. Children, clearly the most enthusiastic attendees, filled the gaps with impromptu, rapid-fire games, shouting answers about Kakababu’s adventures while parents looked on, amused. Before the trailer finally rolled, the cast and crew were formally felicitated, including Prosenjit Chatterjee, Chiranjeet Chakraborty, and composer Indraadip Dasgupta, each greeted with applause and camera flashes. It was only after these moments of celebration that the lights dimmed and the much-awaited trailer of Vijaynagar’er Hirey was unveiled, drawing an instant roar from the crowd.

The trailer reveal set the tone immediately. Projected against the museum’s grand facade, the visuals plunged the audience into a world of ruins, legends and peril. The two-minute cut teased a high-stakes treasure hunt rooted in history, centring on the myth of a diamond said to be larger and more precious than the Kohinoor — a relic of the Vijayanagar Empire lost to time. The setting shifts dramatically to Hampi, where Raja Roy Chowdhury, better known as Kakababu, embarks on another dangerous expedition alongside his nephew Santu and young companion Jojo. What followed on screen was a heady mix of chase sequences, gunfire, crumbling stone corridors and shadowy adversaries, balanced by moments of warmth, wit and camaraderie.

The ambience mirrored the film’s spirit perfectly. With the museum’s statues and colonial-era architecture looming quietly in the background, the venue lent an almost archaeological gravitas to the launch. Fans cheered loudly when Prosenjit Chatterjee appeared on screen, his Kakababu as composed and commanding as ever — physically challenged, yet mentally razor-sharp, moving with speed, precision and quiet authority. The nostalgia was palpable, especially during glimpses of his reunion with Chiranjeet Chakraborty, a moment that drew whistles and applause.

Speaking at the launch, Prosenjit reflected on the enduring pull of the character. “This is our fourth film in the franchise, and what amazes me is the kind of response we’re getting now,” he said. “It’s not just children anymore. People in their 20s, 30s, families — parents coming with their kids, aunts and uncles. That’s when you realise Kakababu is no longer just a character. It’s a shared memory.” He added that Vijaynagar’er Hirey is very much a film meant to be experienced together. “Many children will meet Kakababu for the first time through this film. If it sparks curiosity about history, adventure and books, then we’ve done our job.”

The trailer also highlighted the scale of the production — sweeping shots of Hampi’s ruins, tense face-offs with smugglers, and a relentless race against time. Director Chandrasish Ray’s vision leans into pace and spectacle while staying rooted in the ethical, inquisitive core that defines Kakababu’s world. The background score by Indraadip Dasgupta heightened the drama, while the cinematography captured the terrain with a sense of mystery and grandeur.

Off-screen, the mood remained celebratory and intimate. Prosenjit interacted warmly with young fans, many of whom queued eagerly for photographs. Team members, including Chiranjeet Chakraborty, shared light moments as the crowd soaked in the nostalgia and excitement. There was a sense that the Indian Museum, a custodian of history itself, was an apt venue for launching a story so deeply entwined with legends of the past.

As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that Vijaynagar’er Hirey is not just another instalment in a popular franchise, but a continuation of an intergenerational bond — between stories, cinema and audiences who have grown up with Kakababu and are now ready to pass him on to the next generation.