Jio Studios and SVF Entertainment have envisioned bringing this staged art to the silver screen titled as “Athhoi”.
Athhoi is based on Shakespeare’s masterpiece Othello and for the first time it’s being made in Bengali. Actor Anirban Bhattacharya, a prominent figure in the industry, will oversee the creative direction, and Arna Mukhopadhyay will direct the film. In “Athhoi,” Anirban Bhattacharya takes on the role of Gogo (Iago in the play), while Sohini Sarkar and Arna Mukhopadhyay play the characters of Diya and Dr. Athhoi Lodha, representing Desdemona and Othello, respectively.
The film is slated to commence filming this December(from 13th Dec), with a highly anticipated release scheduled for the upcoming year, marking a significant cinematic event for audiences to eagerly anticipate.
Below are the character sketches:
Arna Mukhopadhyay takes on the role of “Dr. Athhoi Lodha”, portraying the Shakespeare’s sketch of quixotic Moor of Venice who in the film is deeply rooted in a Dalit background. Athhoi transcends mere leadership; he embodies a marvel, a dreamer, and an ardent lover. He represents the Good soul of the film. His character is a blend of greatness and vulnerability. The potency of his portrayal as Othello will be elevated by Anirban Bhattacharya’s exceptional performance as the cunning Iago. While no man can exert complete control over his life, one can evaluate oneself, carry out necessary actions, and face the consequences with love as the driving force which Athhoi excels in.
Sohini Sarkar takes on the character of “Diya” or Desdemona, a woman characterized by her spirited demeanour and intelligence. She symbolises Love. In Diya’s perspective, Athhoi serves as the hero of numerous thrilling and perilous escapades, possessing the captivating charm of an orphan in need of love. Diya emerges as the film’s most forthright and sincere communicator, delivering sharp and impactful speeches that ensure each word holds significance.
Anirban Bhattacharya assumes the role of Iago, referred to as “Gogo” in the film. Gogo is an enigmatic character, akin to a puzzle that eludes resolution. He represents the Bad soul of the play. While appearing as a “friend” to Athhoi, he embodies the archetype of a trickster. Every utterance from Gogo instigates a sense of apprehension. Despite professing a commitment to honesty and straightforwardness, he engages in the creation of intricate falsehoods to exploit and manipulate others. In essence, he personifies the embodiment of malevolence in the morality play.