Srijit launches Uma’s trailer, says the film and Sara are close to his heart

KOLKATA: The trailer of director Srijit Mukherji’s upcoming film Uma, which is produced by SVF, was released recently amidst festive celebrations at Shobhabazaar Rajbari, Kolkata.

The ambience was of a traditional ‘zamindar’ house Durga Puja. The guests were welcomed by ‘diya – tika’ and conch shells, while Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s Mahalaya song resonated in the background. Dhaki players and female Dhunuchi dancers amplified the atmosphere with their performance while people enjoyed the delectable ‘Puja Bhog’. This was succeeded by Mukherji unveiling the trailer in the presence of Jisshu U Sengupta, Sara Sengupta, Anjan Dutt, Sayantika Banerjee, Rudranil Ghosh, Anirban Bhattacharya, Anupam Roy, Neel Dutt, Nilanjana, Zara Sengupta and others.

The trailer starts off with little Uma sprinting in traditional attire while her father Himadri (Jisshu U Sengupta) trying to catch up with her. It gives us a foray into the world of the vibrant Uma, a young girl who is full of life yet unfortunately fighting a terminal disease and her helpless father striving hard to make his daughter’s dream come true of celebrating Durga Puja. It also shows the trauma of a director (Anjan Dutt) whose past haunts him and ends with the question that amidst many hurdles and dangers would Himadri be able to bring a smile onto Uma’s face?

The film is inspired from the true story of Evan Leversage, the Canadian boy suffering from cancer and for whom his village of St. George, Ontario came together to celebrate Christmas much ahead of the actual festival.

About the film, Srijit Mukherji said, “Uma is a film which is very close to my heart and so is Sara, who would be entering this industry with my venture. The trailer of Uma shows how a father can go to any extent for his daughter’s smile. Uma’s story resonates the symbolisation of hope coupled with the power of unity.”

“Uma shows the emotions and values that every family connects with and will strike a chord. We are also proud to introduce Sara, the beloved daughter of Nilanjana and Jisshu Sengupta through our film. We wish her all the success,” added Mahendra Soni, Co-Founder and Director, SVF.

Starring father daughter duo Jisshu U Sengupta and Sara Sengupta in the central roles, the film has already been recognised by New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) 2018, London Indian Film Festival (LIFF) 2018, India Film Festival of Alberta (IFFA) 2018, Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2018, Reelworld Film Festival Toronto 2018 and Habitat Film Festival New Delhi 2018.

Uma is slated to hit the theatres on 1 June.