Preyashi

‘Preyashi’ is Sukanta’s story. Sukanta gives shelter to his father’s friend Bhudhar and his daughter Nandini. Sukanta and Nandini fall in love. Sukanta gets a job and goes out of station. But when he gets no news of Nandini and her father, he comes back and hears of Budhar’s death. Sukanata keeps searching Nandini but in vain. He gets transferred to Delhi where he catches Mr. Ganguly for corruption in railways. Nandini turns out to be Ganguly’s wife and begs Sukanta to set him free. Sukanta lies in court to save Ganguly. But he is shattered and becomes alcoholic. He meets Ranu, Nandini’s twin sister in Kashi who was forced into prostitution. Ranu falls in love with him. Ranu goes to Delhi to find her twin sister. But, Nandini cares for no one but her family. Sukanta overhears their conversation and decides to start his life again with Ranu.

Directed by Shrikant Guha Thakurta, Preyashi leans on a strong ensemble — Soumitra Chatterjee, Kali Bannerjee, Anup Kumar — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1982.