A fresh wave of discord has hit the Bengali film industry, as a shooting for the film 'Harry Om' was stalled due to a renewed conflict between directors and technicians. This recent impasse highlights a long-standing tension within the industry, specifically concerning the role and influence of the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India.
On Monday, cast and crew arrived at the designated location in Kolkata, only to find that none of the technicians had turned up. Director Kinshuk Dey voiced his frustration, stating that 85% of the film had already been completed over the past year, despite previous disruptions. He noted the lack of communication from the technicians, pointing out that there was no response to the "call time" posted in their WhatsApp group, and no alternate technicians were suggested to cover potential emergencies.
Dey is among a group of 14 Bengali film directors who have jointly filed petitions in the Calcutta High Court, raising concerns about the Federation's alleged interference in deciding the selection and number of technicians for their film projects. They accuse the Federation of overreach and imposing its decisions on filmmakers.
The Federation President, Swarup Biswas, has denied these allegations, dismissing them as an ongoing industry issue. He countered by accusing the directors of disrespecting the federation and its members. Biswas also referenced a similar incident that previously affected the shooting of a film by directors Abhijit Guha and Sudeshna Roy, before a resolution was reached.
Adding to the directors' voices, actor-director Anirban Bhattacharya expressed his helplessness, stating that their queries to the Federation have gone unanswered for the past year. He also pointed out the potential economic impact on the technicians themselves if they continue to abstain from work.
Both Dey and Bhattacharya have indicated that they are seeking intervention from the Information and Cultural Affairs Secretary. They plan to request a meeting to seek guidance and find a way out of this situation.
This is not an isolated incident, Several directors, including Srijit Roy and Rahool Mukherjee, have experienced similar disruptions in the past year, which were later resolved. In July 2024, director Rahool Mukherjee faced a major setback when technicians boycotted his film shoot, citing violations of prior agreements. This sparked outrage among Bengali film directors, who felt that the Federation's restrictions were too stringent. Actor and Trinamool Congress MP Dev, emphasized the negative impact of these disruptions on the already struggling Bengali film industry, where work has dwindled significantly. Veteran actor Prosenjit Chatterjee appealed for a resolution driven by mutual respect and love for filmmaking.
Parambrata Chatterjee, another renowned actor and director, claimed that the Federation's rules force producers in Bengal to hire more technicians than necessary, a practice not found in other Indian film industries.
In light of these ongoing issues, the Calcutta High Court issued a directive in May 2025, affirming the right of artists to work in Tollywood without obstruction. Justice Amrita Sinha stated firmly that no one can interfere with an individual's livelihood and instructed the local police to intervene if such issues arise. The court also urged the state to actively address these concerns.
The current standoff reflects deeper issues of power dynamics and control within the Bengali film industry. The directors are seeking greater autonomy in their creative and logistical decisions, while the Federation aims to protect the interests and employment of its members. The intervention of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department is now crucial to mediate between the two parties and establish a framework that allows for a collaborative and productive working environment. The future of 'Harry Om,' and potentially other Bengali film projects, hangs in the balance, awaiting a resolution that respects the rights and needs of all stakeholders involved.
