Can a person with special needs fall in love? Can they dream of marriage and a family? And is society ready to accept their emotions, choices and right to live with dignity? These are some of the important questions explored by the upcoming Bengali short film “Ekti Onnyo Premer Golpo”, which seeks to present a sensitive and unconventional perspective on the lives and emotions of people with autism and Down syndrome. Produced by Parimal Bhattacharya, the film has been written and directed by Soumen D. Tapas Banerjee serves as the co-director and cinematographer, while Sayanhya D. is responsible for editing.
Cast • Parimal Bhattacharya • Mantu Bhattacharya • Amon • Amika Bhattacharya A film about love, dignity and acceptance The film addresses the misconceptions that continue to surround people with special needs. In many cases, individuals with autism or Down syndrome are unfairly considered “abnormal” and kept away from mainstream society. However, they too experience emotions, have dreams and aspirations, can fall in love and deserve the opportunity to lead a life of dignity and respect. “Ekti Onnyo Premer Golpo” attempts to explore these questions through the lens of love and human relationships. Rather than portraying people with special needs merely as objects of sympathy, the film seeks to highlight their emotional world, aspirations and right to social acceptance. Amika Bhattacharya: A performance that touches the heart One of the major highlights of the film is Amika Bhattacharya, who is herself a young person with Down syndrome. With her natural acting ability, expressions and emotional depth, Amika has brought an extraordinary authenticity to her character. Her performance has already touched the hearts of those who attended the teaser launch. Her participation also carries a larger message—that people with special needs should be given genuine opportunities to showcase their abilities and talents.
Amon brings his acting experience to the film The film’s male lead, Amon, has previously appeared in Netflix’s popular web series “Khakee” and the internationally acclaimed short film “Payesh”. With his previous experience and performances, Amon brings another important dimension to the film. The makers are confident that his performance in “Ekti Onnyo Premer Golpo” will also leave a strong impression on audiences. A film with a larger social message According to the makers, “Ekti Onnyo Premer Golpo” is much more than a romantic story. At its heart is an attempt to question society’s conventional perception of people with special needs. The film asks whether they should be denied the right to fall in love, build relationships, dream of marriage or aspire to an independent and fulfilling life simply because they are different. The makers hope that the film will encourage conversations around inclusion, empathy, equality, dignity and acceptance. Teaser unveiled at Kolkata Press Club The teaser of “Ekti Onnyo Premer Golpo” was unveiled at the Kolkata Press Club on 7 August 2026 in the presence of members of the media and several distinguished guests. Among the specially invited guests were Paranormal Researcher Dr Ujjal Gupta, Child and Women Protection Specialist Dr Soma Goho, renowned fashion designer Shantanu Guha Thakurta, prominent model Upen, debutant actress Ayushree Pal, actor Amon, Dr Suneepa Roy, founder of Salt Lake Uttarayan, Principal Shampa De Srinivasan, and Special Educator Kaushik Pal. The teaser received an overwhelming and emotional response from those present. Guests appreciated the film for taking up a subject that remains largely unexplored in Bengali cinema. Amika Bhattacharya’s performance was particularly praised, with many of those present expressing how deeply her natural acting had touched them. A message of hope for parents Speaking about the purpose behind making the film, director Soumen D. said that one of the primary objectives is to strengthen the confidence and morale of parents of children with special needs. The film seeks to convey that their children are “no less capable than anyone else” and, when given the right opportunities, encouragement and support, they too can move forward, showcase their talents and create a distinct identity for themselves. International film festival journey The makers have already completed preparations to submit “Ekti Onnyo Premer Golpo” to several international film festivals. Following its festival screenings and journey, the short film is expected to be released for audiences soon. The makers believe that the film can become an important conversation starter about how society looks at people with special needs and their right to love, dignity and acceptance.
