Dostojee: A heart-warming story of friendship
Film-lovers have already become familiar with the names Arif, Asik and Hasnahena. They are the three actors in the film Dostjee. A wonderful document of friendship, the film is the directorial venture of the young Prasun Chatterjee.
Dostjee shows how intense and honest the joy of going to school with a tin suitcase, wearing the same uniform every day and sitting next to a friend, can be.
The director found the children in Bhagiratpur, a remote village in Murshidabad district. They may not be trained actors but they put up a really commendable performance. The shooting had to be stopped many times due to lack of money. Ultimately Prosenjit Chatterjee stepped in as a producer to help complete the film.
This film has garnered a lot of appreciation. Even Amitabh Bachchan tweeted wishing the director the best.
Dostjee has already toured 26 countries and received eight international awards, including the prestigious CIFEJ Prize, which is supported by UNESCO, Malaysia Golden Global Award and the best film award by London’s Arts Council of England. The film had its world premiere at the 65th BFI London Film Festival in October 2021.
Dostjee continues to win the hearts of the audience at the box office.
