Sandip Ray on Nayan Rahasya, Feluda's Future, and Working with Satyajit Ray

Sandip Ray talks about his first reading of the novel and his experience filming in Chennai, where he also went with his father Satyajit Ray for the Goopy Bagha Phire Elo shot. Nayan Rahasya is currently screening in theaters.

At the box office, Nayan Rahasya has been performing admirably lately. Why did you decide to make this tale your upcoming Feluda movie?

Sandip Ray: Although we were concerned about the audience's reaction, it is going quite nicely. Let's cross our fingers for the next few weeks.

I wanted to perform Nayan Rahasya because of Avinab Barua, who portrays Nayan. After spending a day in Hatyapuri working with him, I thought it would be ideal to finish this project before he becomes too old. In addition, I enjoy stories about children very much. Many colorful, multilingual characters can be found in Nayan Rahasya's works.

How was the Chennai shoot? Which locations did you investigate?

Sandip Ray: We spent a lot of time filming and post-producing in Chennai, so I have a great image of the city. It's one of my favorite spots. I had worked there before, as had my father, Satyajit Ray. We needed a tiger, and Chennai was the only place we could find one at the time, so we had to shoot Goopy Bagha Phire Elo there. Mahabalipuram is a well-known destination. I became ill during the session, so we had to reschedule at the last minute. However, I personally adore Chennai very much.

Do you recall ever speaking with Satyajit Ray about Nayan Rahasya?

Not really, says Sandip Ray. He was often the first to scribble down ideas or plots in a notebook. He would show it to my mother (Bijoya Ray) if he was satisfied. My mom enjoyed detective fiction more. My father indicated that he was introducing a young character in Nayan Rahasya. Being the second person to read the story, it was exciting when it came to me after my mother gave her approval.

How much have the three characters—Feluda, Topshe, and Jatayu—Abhijit Guha, Ayush Das, and Indraneil Sengupta—changed during the course of the two films?

Sandip Ray: There was some initial concern. Working with a fresh cast always brings up fear, regardless of what people say. When Hatyapuri's teaser was revealed, opinions were divided and not particularly favorable. However, things got better after the trailer was made public. When the film was eventually released, a good number of people saw it through.

After the current trio, who do you believe could be your future Feluda, Topshe, and Jatayu?

Sandip Ray: I haven't given it any thought. I'm pleased with the trio! One benefit is that we will be able to produce two or three more Feluda films because of the ages of Indraneil, Ayush, and Abhijit.

How do you feel about the Feluda stories that other directors are adapting?

Sandip Ray: I'd like to keep that under wraps. I'm doing it my way, and they're reading it their own way. Anyone who want to translate it in Hindi is welcome to do so, but the translator must be well-versed in Feluda. If not, I have no issues. Additionally, I don't want to instantly modify Feluda for the OTT. On a small screen, the magic of the big screen cannot be duplicated.

Which Feluda stories did you like reading as a child?

Sandip Ray: My two favorites are Napoleoner Chithi and Chhinnamastar Abhishap.

Which Feluda story are you going to work on next?

Sandip Ray: In a year or two, there will be another Feluda movie. I intend to feature Feluda and Prof. Shonku together in a single film. In addition, I want to do an anthology movie similar to Chaar and Jekhane Bhooter Bhoy.

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