New Bengali film Aparajito (The Undefeated) (2022)', a tribute to Satyajit Ray, has found no spot at West Bengal's government-run auditorium Nandan for a second week, its producer said, despite screenings in 65 other theaters in the state.

At a Mumbai film festival earlier this year, Aparajito was hailed for its depiction of Ray's experience while filming Pather Panchali (1955).

Film producer Firdausal Hasan says the reception has been overwhelmingly positive.

For the second week in a row, the film is playing in 65 theaters, up from 25 in the first seven days following its debut on May 13th.

"However, the movie is yet to find a slot in the state-run Nandan, which is considered the cultural epicentre of Bengal. Our wishes remain for other Bengali films released at this theatre but we would have been happier if Aparajito gets a show time at Nandan, as Ray was so closely involved with it and had designed its logo," Hasan made the statement.

It's not clear why the film hasn't yet found a place at Nandan, but CEO Mitro Chatterjee couldn't be reached for an explanation.

The film has already raked in more than Rs 2.5 crore at the box office, according to reports.

Aparajito, according to Eastern India Motion Pictures Association official Satadeep Saha, is on track to become one of Bengali cinema's biggest hits in the last decade and a proof that blockbuster films can be made without big-name players. The content is the king.

Also Read: "Satyajit Ray's Calcutta Trilogy: Sketching the City as a Character"

Everyone on Nandan's panel seemed to enjoy it, claimed one member of the screening committee who did not want to be identified. However, due to the recent release of multiple films, it may be tough to locate a time for Aparajito right away. It may be shown at a later date.

In February 2019, just days after its premiere, Dutta's anti-establishment satire Bhobisyoter Bhoot (2019) was withdrawn from theaters due to his reputation as a critic of the Mamata Banerjee-led administration.

Actor Soumitra Chatterjee was one among the celebrities who spoke out against the "attempt to curb freedom of artistic expression" at the time.