Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati, which operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is reportedly evaluating a proposal to produce a film titled “Tillotoma”, based on the rape and murder of a medical student at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College in August 2024. The proposed movie aims to depict the harrowing events surrounding the crime and its aftermath. Confirming the development, Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi told HT, “The proposal for the movie has been received and is under evaluation.”
The incident, which triggered widespread protests across West Bengal, had rapidly assumed a political dimension, with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of mishandling the case. The young doctor was brutally assaulted and killed inside the college and hospital premises. Public outrage intensified when allegations surfaced regarding delayed police action and administrative lapses, prompting the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the probe.
Victim’s Family Opposes Film Project
The victim’s family has expressed strong opposition to the proposed movie. Speaking to HT, her father said, “We have no interest in the film being made because this doesn’t help our case at all. We just want justice. The director is making it for his benefit. They keep calling us and disturbing us. We want nothing to do with the film.”
Despite the strong emotions surrounding the case, the main accused, Sanjay Roy, was sentenced to life imprisonmentby a sessions court in Kolkata on January 20, 2025. However, the victim’s family remains dissatisfied with the verdict and has approached the Calcutta High Court seeking further legal remedies.
Filmmaker and Perspective
The film is set to be directed by Ujjwal Chatterjee, a National Award-winning filmmaker who received the accolade in 1992 for his Bengali feature Gondi. Chatterjee also directed Escape from Taliban, which starred Manisha Koirala. According to Chatterjee, Tillotoma will be told from the perspective of the victim’s mother, emphasizing the personal grief, trauma, and challenges faced by families in the wake of violent crimes. Former Rajya Sabha MP and actress Rupa Ganguly has been roped in to portray the lead role of the mother.
Chatterjee confirmed that he has reached out to the victim’s parents to seek permission to use the student’s real name in the film. He clarified, “If we don’t get permission, we will still make the movie, but under a different name.” He also mentioned that officials within Prasar Bharati encouraged the project, specifically naming Chairman Navneet Sehgal, who, when contacted, declined to comment.
Filming Challenges and Timeline
Given the sensitive nature of the case and ongoing legal proceedings, Chatterjee anticipates obstacles in shooting within Kolkata. He indicated that significant portions of the film are likely to be shot in New Delhi to circumvent potential disruptions. The production is scheduled to begin in December 2025 and wrap up by January 2026, aiming for release ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections in March 2026.
Chatterjee predicted that the project will face opposition once it goes into production, particularly from political circles within the state. He emphasized the need to handle the subject with sensitivity while bringing attention to the events that transpired during the incident.
Political Dimensions and Alleged BJP Support
The film has reportedly drawn support from sections of the BJP in West Bengal. Chatterjee claimed that BJP MLA and general secretary of the state unit, Agnimitra Paul, has actively assisted in facilitating the project. However, BJP West Bengal President Samik Bhattacharya denied any official party involvement, stating, “The BJP has no role in the making of this film.”
Paul, on the other hand, confirmed her personal involvement, citing her longstanding connection with the victim’s family. She stated, “I have been with the parents since the beginning, and they have a soft corner for me. We are trying to convince them to support the film, though their lawyer is not keen that it’s made right now. Unless the parents agree, we can’t go ahead.” Paul also alleged that the state authorities had mishandled the case and maintained that the film would serve to illuminate the truth about what transpired during the incident.
Balancing Artistic Representation and Sensitivity
The proposed Tillotoma project has sparked a debate around the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers in portraying real-life crimes, especially when legal proceedings are ongoing. Critics argue that dramatizing the incident could impact the judicial process or exacerbate the trauma for the victim’s family. Supporters, meanwhile, contend that such films can raise awareness about systemic failures and highlight societal challenges, especially in cases involving violence against women.
Chatterjee has insisted that the narrative will remain victim-centric, focusing on the mother’s perspective rather than sensationalizing the crime. The filmmaker stressed that the intention is to create awareness and empathy, while navigating the delicate balance between cinematic storytelling and the real-life gravity of the events.
Role of Prasar Bharati
Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster, has historically produced films and documentaries that tackle social issues and human rights concerns. Its potential involvement in Tillotoma has sparked discussions about government-backed media projects and the extent to which public broadcasters should engage with politically sensitive subjects. Dwivedi’s confirmation that the proposal is under evaluation signals the organization’s willingness to consider projects of cultural and social relevance, though final decisions remain pending.
The backing of a state-run broadcaster could provide the film with financial support, wider reach, and legitimacy, but also opens up questions about political neutrality, particularly given the timing of the release ahead of state elections.
Legal Status and Ethical Concerns
While the sessions court has delivered a verdict against Sanjay Roy, the family’s ongoing appeal in the Calcutta High Court underscores the unfinished nature of the judicial process. Filmmakers producing content based on ongoing cases must navigate sub judice restrictions, which limit public commentary on legal matters that could influence trial outcomes.
The family’s explicit refusal to participate in the project highlights a broader ethical dilemma: balancing freedom of expression and artistic representation against the rights, dignity, and emotional wellbeing of victims’ families. Critics argue that without the family’s consent, the project risks causing additional distress and could be perceived as profiting from tragedy.
Outlook
As Prasar Bharati deliberates, the future of Tillotoma remains uncertain. The film promises to be a gripping narrative of grief, resilience, and systemic challenges, but it is entwined with legal sensitivities, political narratives, and family opposition. The outcome will likely set precedents regarding how Indian public broadcasters handle crime-based stories, and how filmmakers approach recent, high-profile incidents with care, respect, and responsibility.
The story of RG Kar Medical College remains a national touchstone for debates on women’s safety, justice, and institutional accountability, and the film—whether realized or not—underscores the continuing societal need to reflect on these issues.
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