Eisspeedway

Omorshongi

Omorshongi
Theatrical release poster
Directed byDibya Chatterjee
Story byAritra Sengupta
Dibya Chatterjee
Produced byAvinaba Ghosh
Paridhi Khaitan
Arnab Pal
StarringVikram Chatterjee
Sohini Sarkar
CinematographyAbhimanyu Sengupta
Edited byAmir Mondal
Music byArko
Ranajoy Bhattacharjee
#abhikism
Tamalika Golder
Neel Adhikari
Shomeshwar Oli
8-Bit Culprit
Production
companies
Dreams On Sale Production
Handykraft Pictures
Distributed bySSR Cinemas
Release date
  • 31 January 2025 (2025-01-31)
CountryIndia
LanguageBengali

Omorshongi (transl. Immortal Companion) is a 2025 Bengali supernatural romantic comedy film directed by debutant Dibya Chatterjee and jointly written by Chatterjee with Aritra Sengupta.[1] Produced by Dreams On Sale Productions and co produced by Handykraft Pictures, the film stars Vikram Chatterjee and Sohini Sarkar in the lead roles, while Dibyasha Das, Shreema Bhattacharya and Aniruddha Gupta play other pivotal roles.[2]

The film revolves around a grief stricken novelist, who is confronted by the ghost of his late girlfriend and she persuades him to move on with his life. However, her presence brings a strange sense of possessiveness as she struggles to let go.[3] It marked the first collaboration between Vikram and Sohini.[4] The film was released on 31 January 2025 to mixed reviews from the critics and positive reviews from the audience.[5][6]

Plot

The story revolves around a two childhood sweethearts Anurag and Joyee, who have been inseparable since their school days. They have been soulmates since the 5th grade. After being in love for many years, now their marriage has been fixed and they have brought a new house too, for moving in after marriage. But, tragedy strikes their life as they are on the verge of starting a new phase in their life together. Joyee dies of a heart attack, just a day before the wedding. His world, once teeming with literary inspiration, now stagnates in an abyss of grief. But this doesn't end their love story.

He starts seeing fleeting apparitions of Joyee - her glimpses caught in mirror reflections and familiar corners of the room. He soon realised, what initially appeared to be hallucinatory projections of sorrow, turns into an unsettling truth. Joyee has returned as a ghost, unwilling to leave Anurag behind. Anurag, an exhausted novelist, is perplexed by the complexity of the situation. Although initially terrified, he slowly starts to enjoy her presence, convincing himself that fate has given him a bonus round with the love of his life.

He further realised that only he can see Joyee's ghost, owing to the strong bonding of love in between them. Joyee is there, nagging, scolding and comforting Anurag while refusing to fade into oblivion. After a few days, Anurag also perceived that neither can he touch her nor they can live a truly shared life. He is struck in a dilemma, whether it is possible to live and romance with a partner, who no longer possess a physical body. He is struck in a limbo as he realises that despite him growing old, she will not age.

He desperately attempts to make a true sense of Joyee's existence through the help of tantrics, spiritualists and occult experts. He starts reading books on death and afterlife and seeks help from temple priests. He became so involved with this, that he now wants to write horror stories, in place of the romantic stories, which he had liked earlier. He madly seeks the answer about what is their after life. Although he contemplates a new relationship with Niharika, he realised all the more that he would never be able to move on from Joyee's intangible existence. Despite opening a new dynamic in his life, it further complicated his healing. He was unable to forget her and their shared memories.

He gets to know from a spiritualist that a close one who has died, can return as a ghost after death only if a major danger has passed or if a major danger is present in the near future. Since Anurag was the only one who could see her, he was the probable danger victim. He warned Anurag of a possible major danger, upcoming in his life. Despite his parents and to be in-laws persuading him to move on, he is stuck to Joyee's ghost and their love. Anurag is eager to know regarding the nature of longing between two special lovers and make a true sense of the possibility of a romantic love transcending death.[7]

Cast

  • Vikram Chatterjee as Anurag[8]
  • Sohini Sarkar as Joyee
  • Shreema Bhattacharya as Anurag's confidant
  • Aniruddha Gupta as Anurag's confidant
  • Dibyasha Das as Niharika
  • Saumya Sengupta as Anurag's father
  • Madhumita Chakraborty as Anurag's mother
  • Sandip Bhattacharya as Joyee's father

Cameo appearances

Production

Development

The film marked the Bengali film debut of director Dibya Chatterjee. The director explained that the title of the film is suggestive of a love story that transcends the mortal plane and means "Lovers beyond the realm".[10] In an interview, the director informed that he didn't have any trouble while recruiting the cast and crew of the film. He decided to do a film in Bengali after meeting his childhood friend Abhinav, who assured him to produce the film. While the cinematographer was his flatmate in Mumbai, he approached Vikram and Sohini for knowing them previously from a web series.[11]

Vikram spoke in an interview that he signed to the film for its script and unique genre, which encompasses the elements of horror with a romantic comedy film. Sohini also revealed that she signed the film owing to its interesting script and her personal acquaintance with the director after working in a Hindi language web series.[12] Sohini spoke about a rain scene, in which the artificial tank was finished in just taking Vikram's shots. She explained how difficult it was for her to wait till the next tank arrives, while holding on to that mood and emotion.[13]

Filming

The cinematography has been done majorly in Kolkata and partially in Howrah. Major schedules have been shot in Rashbehari Avenue, Deshapriya Park regions of South Kolkata and on the banks of Hooghly River beside the Howrah Bridge. The filming was started on 25 August 2023.[14] The filming was completed and wrapped up on 21 April 2024.[15]

Marketing

The first look of the characters was revealed on 21 August 2023.[16] The first poster was released on 6 December 2024.[17] The teaser was released on 17 December 2024.[18][19] The trailer was released on 22 January 2025 on Zee Music Bangla and Dreams On Sale Youtube channels.[20]

At the trailer launch event, the trailer was unveiled by Prosenjit Chatterjee. He was present as the chief guest at the event, as they makers decided to show respect to the 1987 Bengali classic Amar Sangee, which has the same title as their film. The lead pair did a Kolkata themed photoshoot with nostalgic Kolkata symbols like the yellow ambassador and Victoria Memorial, as a part of the promotions.[21][22]

Soundtrack

Omorshongi
Soundtrack album by
Arko, Ranajoy Bhattacharjee, #abhikism, Tamalika Golder, Neel Adhikari, Shomeshwar Oli and 8-Bit Culprit
Released2025
Recorded2024
StudioStudio 504
RB Studios
Sound Symphony Studio
GenreFilm soundtrack
Length32:28
LanguageBengali
LabelZee Music Bangla
External audio
audio icon Omorshongi - Full Album (Audio Jukebox) on YouTube

The music of the film has been composed by Arko, Ranajoy Bhattacharjee, #abhikism, Tamalika Golder, Neel Adhikari, Shomeshwar Oli and 8-Bit Culprit. The lyrics have been penned by Shomeshwar Oli, #abhikism, Ranajoy Bhattacharjee and Swadesh Misra.

The first single "Purono Premer Poddo" was released on 10 January 2025. The second single "Raikamal" was released on 18 January 2025. The third single "Monihara" was released on 30 January 2025.

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicSinger(s)Length
1."Purono Premer Poddo"Shomeshwar OliArkoArko4:28
2."Monihara"#abhikism#abhikismRishi Chanda, #abhikism3:56
3."Shiuli"Ranajoy BhattacharjeeRanajoy BhattacharjeeDebayan Banerjee, Shaoni Mojumdar, Ranajoy Bhattacharjee4:14
4."Purono Premer Poddo - Duet"Shomeshwar OliArkoArko, Srijani Dan4:27
5."Raikamal"Swadesh MisraTamalika GolderChakropani Dev3:27
6."Lovers Beyond Realms" Neel Adhikari 3:19
7."Nuton In The House"Rabindranath TagoreRabindranath Tagore, Neel AdhikariTomali Chaudhuri, Srabani Chakraborty, Rama Ghose, Kajali Chatterjee, Indrani Mukherjee2:21
8."Dirty Nights" 8-Bit Culprit 6:30
Total length:32:28

Release

The film was released in the theatres on 31 January 2025, at 56 cinemas with 66 shows.[23]

Reception

Critical Reception

Agnivo Niyogi of The Telegraph reviewed the film on a positive note and wrote "Omorshongi roots itself in Bengali sensibilities as it looks at the nature of longing and the possibility of a romantic love transcending death. The film is an interesting take on romance, fusing supernatural elements with comedy and it strikes a drama bittersweet balance between humour and heartache." She praised Vikram and Sohini's chemistry, the cinematography, the songs and the score but bemoaned the pace in the second half.[24]

A reviewer from India TV reviewed the film on a positive note and opined "With noteworthy performances from Vikram Chatterjee and Sohini Sarkar, this movie will make you laugh, cry, and reimagine everything you thought you knew about love through a lens of eerie and emotional depth." He specially praised the director for his uniquely crafted storytelling style that blends dark comedy, horror and deeply emotional themes of love and loss.[25]

Deborshi Bandyopadhyay of Anandabazar Patrika rated the film 7/10 stars and noted "Despite having a few loopholes, the film is a full-on entertainment and family watch package. The film has a certain intoxication and trance, which is produced by the well designed cinematography." He praised the chemistry between the lead, the screenplay and the storytelling style of the director but bemoaned the lack of emotional depth in the sub-plots in the film and repetitive scenes in the second half.[26]

Sandipta Bhanja of Sangbad Pratidin reviewed the film and wrote "Although the horror element in the film is not scares you, it gives you a feel good wali romantic story." She praised the chemistry between Vikram-Sohini, their effortless acting - dialogue deliveries, numerous emotionally drenched romantic dialogues throughout the film, the songs, cinematography and cameos but pointed out the lack of emotional depth in certain scenes, weak acting of the supporting cast and repetitive scenes in second half.[27]

Poorna Banerjee of the Times of India rated the film 2/5 stars and highlighted "Despite strong performances, a solid soundtrack, memorable cameos, and a few humorous moments, Omorshongi struggles to deliver a meaningful blend of horror and comedy. The pacing issues and the film's tendency to drag on hinder its emotional impact." She praised Vikram and Sohini's on-screen chemistry and the cameos but criticised the slow pace, unnecessary plot veer offs and occasionally forced comedy.[28]

Controversy

Five days prior to the release on 26 January 2025, posters of the film were torn in many parts of Kolkata, specially in Lake Gardens.[29] The makers informed that they noticed it when they went out at night to see if they posters have been attached properly across the city. They took to their social media handles and expressed their concern regarding the tearing up of only the posters of their film, while posters of other upcoming films were there.[30] Vikram informed, posters worth thousands were brought here from Chennai and due to budget issues, it was not possible for the producer to reprint them.[31]

References

  1. ^ "'Omorshongi' trailer: Sohini Sarkar's ghost haunts former lover played by Vikram Chatterjee". The Telegraph. 23 January 2025. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
  2. ^ "Omorshongi is a poignant tale of love, loss and self-discovery". t2 Online. 31 January 2025. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
  3. ^ Majumder, Suparna (7 December 2024). "সোহিনীর 'অমর সঙ্গী' বিক্রম, অদ্ভূতুড়ে প্রেম? পোস্টারেই ঘনীভূত রহস্য". Sangbad Pratidin (in Bengali). Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  4. ^ "Vikram Chatterjee & Sohini Sarkar pair up for a romantic comedy". Times of India. 21 August 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  5. ^ "Bengali films Felubakshi, Omor Shongi to hit theatres in January 2025". The Telegraph. 7 December 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
  6. ^ দত্ত, অভিনন্দন (31 January 2025). "প্রাক্তনের সঙ্গে যোগাযোগ থাকবে কি না, সম্পর্কের তিক্ততা তা স্থির করে দেয়, মত বিক্রম-সোহিনীর". Anandabazar Patrika (in Bengali). Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  7. ^ "Director Samik Roy Choudhury writes about Omorshongi". The Telegraph. 8 February 2025. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
  8. ^ Roy Chowdhury, Samik (8 February 2025). "'Omorshongi is an ambitious blend of love, loss, and spectral reminiscences' says director Samik Roy Choudhury". t2 Online. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  9. ^ "বিক্রম পর্দায় ভূতের সঙ্গে প্রেম করছেন, বাস্তবে অঙ্কুশ! ফাঁস করেই আক্ষেপে ভেঙে পড়লেন?". Anandabazar Patrika (in Bengali). 31 January 2025. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
  10. ^ "Vikram and Sohini star in the new romantic comedy Omorshongi". t2 Online. 6 October 2023. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
  11. ^ Goswami, Ranita (24 January 2025). "Vikram-Sohini: 'এখন সম্পর্ক টিকিয়ে রাখাটাই চ্যালেঞ্জ…', 'অমরসঙ্গী' বিক্রমকে পাশে নিয়ে কথাটা কেন বললেন সোহিনী?". Hindustan Times (in Bengali). Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  12. ^ "পাল্টাচ্ছে মুখ! বড় পর্দায় ফের 'অমর সঙ্গী', মুক্তি কবে?". ETV Bharat (in Bengali). 7 December 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
  13. ^ A. Roy, Priyanka (29 January 2025). "Vikram Chatterjee and Sohini Sarkar shine in a Calcutta-themed shoot ahead of Omorshongi release". t2 Online. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  14. ^ "Vikram Sohini Omor Shongi:ফার্স্ট লুকের পর শুটিং শুরু 'অমরসঙ্গী'র, জুটিতে বিক্রম-সোহিনী". ETV Bharat (in Bengali). 25 August 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  15. ^ Chakraborty, Shamayita (23 April 2024). "Omorshongi: It's a wrap for Vikram Chatterjee and Sohini Sarkar's film". OTTplay. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
  16. ^ "Vikram Sohini Omor Shongi: নতুন ছবিতে 'অমরসঙ্গী' বিক্রম-সোহিনী". ETV Bharat. 21 August 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  17. ^ "Omorshongi: A genre-bending horror romantic comedy unveiled". t2 Online. 6 December 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
  18. ^ Ganguly, Ruman (18 December 2024). "The teaser of Omorshongi is out". Times of India. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  19. ^ "New Bengali film teasers and trailers: Omorshongi, Oporochito, Bhaggyolokkhi". The Telegraph. 30 December 2024. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
  20. ^ Roy, Piya (25 January 2025). "The trailer of Omorshongi underlines the timelessness of true love". t2 Online. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  21. ^ Ganguly, Dharitri (5 February 2025). "Actors Vikram Chatterjee and Sohini Sarkar on their upcoming romantic horror comedy 'Omorshongi'". Indulge Express. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  22. ^ A. Roy, Priyanka (29 January 2025). "Vikram and Sohini deck up for a special Calcutta-themed shoot, ahead of the release of OmorShongi". The Telegraph. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
  23. ^ Chatterjee, Arindam; Roy, Piya; A. Roy, Priyanka (1 January 2025). "Spotlighting some of the much-awaited Bengali films set to release in the first half of 2025". t2 Online. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
  24. ^ Niyogi, Agnivo (3 February 2025). "'Omorshongi': Vikram-Sohini's chemistry steers this tale of romancing a ghost". The Telegraph. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
  25. ^ "Dibya Chatterjee's dark comedy 'Omorshongi' showcases unique tale of love, loss and supernatural". India TV. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  26. ^ বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায়, দেবর্ষি (3 February 2025). "ভূতে-মানুষে জমজমাট প্রেম, কেমন দাঁড়াল 'অমরসঙ্গী'তে সোহিনী-বিক্রমের রসায়ন?". Anandabazar Patrika (in Bengali). Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  27. ^ Bhanja, Sandipta (31 January 2025). "বিক্রম-সোহিনীর 'অমর সঙ্গী' কতটা জমল? পড়ুন রিভিউ". Sangbad Pratidin (in Bengali). Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  28. ^ Banerjee, Poorna (7 February 2025). "Omorshongi Movie Review : Unrest in Prem". Times of India. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  29. ^ "ছিঁড়ে ফেলা হলো 'অমর সঙ্গী'র পোস্টার, কারা করল এই কাজ? যা বললেন বিক্রম". Aaj Tak (in Bengali). 26 January 2025. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  30. ^ "বাকি ছবির পোস্টার আছে, শুধু 'অমর সঙ্গী'র পোস্টার ছেঁড়া? প্রশ্ন তুললেন হতাশ বিক্রম". Anandabazar Patrika (in Bengali). 25 January 2025. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  31. ^ Bhanja, Sandipta (25 January 2025). "'রিলিজের আগে অমরসঙ্গীর পোস্টার ছেঁড়া হচ্ছে', ক্ষোভ ওগরালেন বিক্রম". Sangbad Pratidin (in Bengali). Retrieved 15 February 2025.