The temple visit held special significance for the actors, particularly as the film explores faith, spirituality and the life of a figure deeply connected with Bengal’s religious and cultural traditions.
Payel De, who plays Maa Kali in the film, said she had previously visited the temple on her own, but returning as part of the film’s promotional activities made the experience more meaningful.
“I had visited Thantania Kali Bari earlier on a personal note, but coming here as part of my film promotions feels completely different. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience,” she said.
Speaking about preparing for spiritual roles, the actress added, “I haven’t undergone any specific training to portray spiritual roles. Whatever I have learnt has come from practical experiences.”
A challenging journey for Sabyasachi Chowdhury
For Sabyasachi Chowdhury, Sadhak Bamakhyapa marks an important milestone in his career, with the actor taking on multiple responsibilities as a writer, creative director and performer.
Describing the experience as multifaceted, Chowdhury spoke about the physical transformation he underwent to portray Bamakhyapa, including gaining 20 kg for the role.
“This journey has been multifaceted. This is my first full-length film in which I have worked as a writer, creative director and, of course, an actor. Apart from other physical transformations and changes in appearance, I had to gain 20 kilos to portray Bamakhyapa. Personally, I find the role very challenging to play,” he said.
The actor’s return to the character is particularly noteworthy given his association with Bamakhyapa through the Bengali television serial Mahapeeth Tarapeeth, which brought him widespread recognition for portraying the mystic.
Reuniting with a familiar spiritual universe
The film also brings Chowdhury and De together in a devotional narrative that draws on their previous association with mythological and spiritual storytelling on Bengali television.
De, who portrays Maa Kali in Sadhak Bamakhyapa, is known for her portrayal of the goddess in the Bengali television serial Sadhak Ramprasad. Her casting adds another dimension to the film’s exploration of devotion and the relationship between the mystic and the divine.
The film is directed by Sayantan Ghosal and produced by SVF.
Through its portrayal of Bamakhyapa’s spiritual journey and devotion to Goddess Tara, Sadhak Bamakhyapa seeks to bring a significant chapter of Bengal’s devotional heritage to the big screen.