Renowned Bengali Filmmaker Arun Roy
Renowned Bengali filmmaker Arun Roy, known for his exceptional work in Bagha Jatin (2023) and Hiralal (2021), passed away at the age of 56. He breathed his last early Thursday morning, succumbing to a severe lung infection after a prolonged battle with cancer. Dr. Kinjal Nanda of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital confirmed the news, leaving the world of Bengali cinema in deep mourning.
Arun Roy had been undergoing treatment for his illness at the hospital for several months. His condition took a turn for the worse recently, necessitating admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Initially, he was supported by a BiPAP system to assist with his breathing. However, as his health further deteriorated, doctors had to resort to invasive ventilation. Despite the relentless efforts of the medical team, Roy’s condition continued to decline, and he passed away in the early hours of the day.
Actor Dev, who portrayed the iconic revolutionary Jatindranath Mukherjee in Bagha Jatin, visited the director during his final days in the hospital. The two had shared a close professional relationship, and Dev had often spoken highly of Roy’s passion for storytelling and his vision for cinema. Following the director’s passing, Dev Entertainment Ventures shared an emotional tribute on X (formerly Twitter), expressing their profound grief.
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved director Arun Roy. A visionary filmmaker, his passion, creativity & dedication to storytelling will forever inspire us. His loss leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts & in the world of cinema.
Rest in peace, Arun Da. pic.twitter.com/9LvvHVhfwG— Dev Entertainment Ventures (@devpl_official) January 2, 2025
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our cherished director, Arun Roy,” the statement read. “A true visionary, his passion and dedication to storytelling will continue to inspire us. His departure leaves a void in our hearts and the world of cinema. Rest in peace, Arun Da.”
Later in the afternoon, Arun Roy’s mortal remains will be taken to his residence, where his family and close friends will gather to bid him farewell. Afterward, the body will be placed at Technicians’ Studio, a significant venue in the Bengali film industry, to allow fans, colleagues, and well-wishers to pay their final respects. This gesture reflects the profound impact Roy had on the industry and the deep admiration he commanded from those who worked with him.
Arun Roy, whose real name was Arunava Raychaudhuri, was a director who had carved a unique niche for himself in Bengali cinema. He first rose to prominence with his debut film, Hiralal, which was based on the life of Hiralal Sen, a pioneer of Indian cinema. Released in 2021, the film earned widespread acclaim for its compelling narrative and powerful performances, particularly by Dr. Kinjal Nanda, who played the titular role.
Building on the success of Hiralal, Roy directed 8/12 Binoy Badal Dinesh in 2022, another historical drama that was well-received by audiences and critics alike. The film portrayed the heroic story of Binoy, Badal, and Dinesh, three young revolutionaries who challenged British colonial rule. Its success cemented Roy’s reputation as a filmmaker with a deep sense of history and a knack for bringing forgotten tales to life on the big screen.
However, it was Bagha Jatin, released in 2023, that truly elevated Arun Roy’s status as a celebrated filmmaker. The movie told the story of Jatindranath Mukherjee, a revolutionary who played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle. Dev’s portrayal of Bagha Jatin, combined with Roy’s meticulous direction and attention to detail, made the film a cinematic masterpiece. The movie was praised for its storytelling, emotional depth, and strong performances, earning Roy accolades from audiences and critics alike.
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Tragically, during the filming of Bagha Jatin, Roy was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Despite this life-altering diagnosis, he remained steadfast in his commitment to his craft. He continued working on the film, refusing to let his illness interfere with his vision. His determination and resilience were an inspiration to everyone around him, and he successfully completed the project, delivering a film that will be remembered for years to come.
Even as he battled cancer, Arun Roy showed remarkable dedication by working on his latest project, Aranyer Din Ratri. Based on Sunil Gangopadhyay’s novel, the film was completed while Roy was undergoing treatment. His ability to balance his passion for storytelling with his ongoing health struggles speaks volumes about his professionalism and love for cinema.
Arun Roy’s passing is a significant loss for Bengali cinema. His ability to blend historical narratives with compelling storytelling set him apart as a filmmaker. He brought to life stories that resonated deeply with audiences, not just in Bengal but across India. His films often celebrated the lives of unsung heroes, giving them the recognition they deserved and inspiring generations to come.
As fans and colleagues gather to pay their respects at Technicians’ Studio, the atmosphere will undoubtedly be filled with both grief and gratitude. Grief for the loss of a brilliant filmmaker whose journey was cut short too soon, and gratitude for the legacy of films he left behind—films that will continue to inspire, educate, and entertain.
Arun Roy’s story is one of passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Though his journey has ended, his work will remain a shining example of the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on the world. His loss is deeply felt, but his legacy ensures that he will never be forgotten.