Mumbai: As shooting for Familywala wrapped up, acclaimed filmmaker Suman Ghosh penned an emotional note for lead actor Shiboprosad Mukherjee, describing their collaboration as a “deadly combination.”
Sharing photographs from the first and last days of the shoot, Ghosh reflected on the evolution of their director-actor relationship. “These two images capture the story of our journey on Familywala,” he wrote. “As Shibu says—‘a deadly combination.’”
Ghosh revealed that his admiration for Mukherjee dates back decades, recalling his brief yet memorable appearance in Bariwali directed by Rituparno Ghosh. While Mukherjee went on to star in several successful films under the direction of Nandita Roy and the banner of Windows Production, Familywala marks his first collaboration with an external director in 25 years.
Calling the experience “pure joy,” Ghosh praised Mukherjee’s fearlessness and range as a performer. He noted how the actor’s unpredictability, spontaneity, and intensity elevated the script to another level. He also credited Mukherjee’s grounding in Nandikar theatre for adding depth and discipline to the role.
Recalling lighter moments from the set, Ghosh quoted Mukherjee joking, “Suman da, the scene was simple—you made it difficult. You made me play with co-actors as if I were facing Australia’s peak bowling attack.”
Responding to the note, Mukherjee said the concept of Familywala, being made as part of Windows’ 25th anniversary celebrations, is “truly unique and extraordinary.” He expressed gratitude for being part of a project that connected him to an important figure in his life who blessed and believed in him.
He also described working with an Australian team as both overwhelming and positively challenging. Sharing screen space for the first time with accomplished actors such as Shastrika Mukhopadhyay, Sudipta Chakraborty, Anusua Majumdar, and Lily Chakraborty was, he said, an emotional journey. “I don’t even remember how many times I cried during the process,” he admitted.
Currently in the editing stage with dubbing underway, Familywala brings together two distinct cinematic sensibilities, making it one of the most anticipated upcoming Bengali films. Audiences, Ghosh concluded, will ultimately decide—but expectations are already running high.
