Director’s Note

The film ‘SONGSHOY’ (The Dilemma) my first feature film is about the dilemma of my changing time and society where I live. It is also about our collective social responsibilities, frustrations and personal ambitions. It is being said now days in India that one should be modern and global to become happy in life. Globalization is here and none can change it.

So leaving behind one’s traditions, moorings and beliefs all are out to grab the new world, new life, and new belief. A feel good factor has engulfed India and its people. Good days are coming!

West Bengal, where long and glorious tradition of Left Democratic Movement enriched the hearts & minds of her people for generations, is suddenly faced with a dilemma of leaving behind leftist political beliefs (Aranya, late husband of Anita) and forge ahead with a vision to become part of a global capitalistic society. The state, like a Hindu widow, has no choice, no money and no alternative ideology. Her existence is at stake! So it is being whispered, “Please accept the change. Do not rebel”.

Suddenly, it is being realized that without foreign capital none can and nothing will exist. A mad rush in the society has begun to change oneself (Anita), to become friendly with changing economic & social scenarios and its people (Dr. Shyamal Sen), to reach the summit (The mountain peak). This has left many like me spellbound and lost. Yet, when on one side foreign investments are pouring in the state we are witnessing sporadic “irresponsible” labor unrest (Bubai), ultra leftist activists (Maitrayi) are spreading like a ghost in the state. It is a confused situation for all.

The dilemma of living sandwiched between the galore of capital and the gore of social struggle have played an important role behind the making of this film.

May be what is happening is good for the future of the state. May be the dilemma in me is a sign of my own weakness. Sometimes I try to draw strength from the sayings “All well that ends well”. But what if it does not end well? If we fail in our collective responsibility of giving social & emotional refuge to our country men in this changing time like an eternal mother - A disaster may strike! (Death of Bubai)

The last song used in the film written by Rabindranath Tagore hinted about an alternative effort in this crisis.