Bohurupi Becomes Third Highest-Grossing Bengali Film of All Time

Director duo Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy have achieved yet another milestone with their latest film, Bohurupi, which has emerged as the third highest-grossing Bengali film of all time. Known for redefining Bengali cinema over the last decade with critically acclaimed films like Bela Seshe, Praktan, and Haami, the duo has consistently explored the intricacies of middle-class Bengali family life. With Bohurupi, they took a bold step, departing from their usual narratives to craft a gripping thriller rooted in a real-life story.

Released during Durga Puja in October 2024, Bohurupi portrays the story of a bank dacoit who skillfully executed heists using elaborate disguises, setting the stage for a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase with the police. The film’s unique premise resonated with audiences, catapulting it to massive box office success. As of December 20, 2024, the film completed 75 days in theatres and became the highest-grossing Bengali film of the year.

In an exclusive interaction, Shiboprosad Mukherjee reflected on the film's success. “Thank you! I am doing good. I am really grateful to God, and I feel like I am one of those lucky people who has been blessed to do this. We never really expected that the film will go so far and we will receive so much love. The audience, especially, has given us so much love. It will be December 25 soon, and it seems like Santa Claus is here to gift us abundantly!” he shared.

The actor-director also spoke about the overwhelming response he received from his personal circle, highlighting a special reaction that remains close to his heart. “My mother listens to the songs of Bohurupi when she wakes up in the morning and again when she goes to sleep at night. So, that for me is the biggest response,” he said with a smile.

The national recognition achieved by Bohurupi is a rare feat for Bengali films, and Mukherjee sees it as a step toward greater representation of Bengali cinema. “Definitely! It is a huge response. The recognition that the film has managed to receive nationally… so many people have seen the film and given such a favorable reaction. They have gone ahead and shared their thoughts with us. That provides us with the strength to make more films in the future,” he remarked.

Addressing the need for Bengali films to achieve similar success outside the state, Mukherjee emphasized the importance of telling stories rooted in Bengali culture. “We have to tell our own stories, which belong to us. Not stories that are of someone else. We have so many stories in our land, in our language. There are so many of these stories that are still untold. Innumerable stories, there is no end. We have such a rich and varied literature, and we can try to take stories from there as well.”

He also highlighted the cultural practices that could help Bengali cinema thrive, drawing comparisons to the celebration of Malayalam films. “Another big point which every Bengali must remember is that they must treat their own language as the best language there is. Take a look at how the Malayali audience celebrates the release of Malayalam films like a festival… we need to bring that in with our films,” he added.

Looking ahead, Mukherjee shared insights into his upcoming film Aamar Boss, featuring veteran actor Rakhee Gulzar. The film, slated for release in 2025, is already generating buzz as it competes for the prestigious ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). “We are extremely proud of the film and the fact that it is the only Bengali film this year to have achieved this feat. I am hopeful that Aamar Boss will also win the audience's hearts, and they will also give the film a lot of love,” he concluded.

With Bohurupi breaking records and setting new benchmarks, it is clear that Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy continue to lead Bengali cinema into an era of meaningful and celebrated storytelling.