Actor Anjan Dutt — known for his powerful performances outside the commercial mainstream — has finally stepped into the world of mass-market cinema after a film career spanning nearly four and a half decades.

The 71-year-old actor, who made his cinematic debut under the legendary Mrinal Sen in the early 1980s, has acted in just 27 films in 45 years, while simultaneously carving out a celebrated career as a singer. 

Until now, he had deliberately stayed away from traditional commercial cinema — but that gap is finally being filled with "Shreeman Vs Shreemati", a mainstream romantic comedy starring Dutt alongside Mithun Chakraborty.

According to a report by Sangbad Pratidin, "Shreeman Vs Shreemati" is very much a commercial venture, a shift Anjan himself addressed candidly on Facebook.

"I have never acted in any so-called commercial or mainstream films before," Anjan wrote. "In 45 years, I've only done 27 films, including my own. Right from the beginning, I knew I wasn't cut out to be a star. I'm an actor. For nearly 25 years, I worked with a handful of directors. Later, with some from the next generation. And now, at 71, I've done a full-blown commercial film because I felt there was one experience still missing in my life. Having Mithun Chakraborty in it was part of the appeal."

Directed by Pathikrit Basu, the film "Shreeman Vs Shreemati" is a lighthearted romantic comedy about aging, love, and second chances.

Anjan quipped, "The director wanted to have some fun making a romantic comedy about old folks. I think many of you won't mind it! It's a film meant to be watched on the big screen."

Interestingly, both Anjan Dutt and Mithun Chakraborty were introduced to the world of cinema by Mrinal Sen, but despite their parallel journeys, "Shreeman Vs Shreemati" marks the first time the two legends share screen space.

The film tells the story of a couple trying to save their marriage even after filing for divorce. Mithun Chakraborty and Anjana Basu play the married pair, while Anjan Dutt portrays Anjana's former lover.

The story also interweaves a subplot featuring a younger couple, played by Parambrata Chatterjee and Madhumita Sarcar, navigating the modern-day challenges of relationships.

"Shreeman Vs Shreemati" was released in theatres earlier this month, and in a delightful twist, Anjan Dutt also lent his voice to the film's soundtrack, making it a rare double treat for his fans.

Read more

Shawki's ‘Gulmohor’ to be Saswata Chattopadhyay’s first Bangladeshi project