This is a story that needed to be told: Mainak Bhaumik on Kuler Achaar

Sudeep Das’ film Kuler Achaar is a story of a middle-class family, where the daughter-in-law Mithi (Madhumita Sarcar), remains adamant about her decision to not change her surname after marriage. Pritam (Vikram Chatterjee) her husband stands by her side in this decision. Mitali (Indrani Haldar) Mithi’s mother-in-law and Pronotosh (Neel Mukherjee) her father-in-law has a problem with Mithi’s decision and their son supports her in this regard.Mainak Bhaumik who is the creative director of the film shared, “In times of mindless Insta picks, I feel it is important to hold back for a second and just ponder on an idea that defines the little things in life that we take for granted. This film addresses a very basic issue, one that we don’t give more than a second of thought to it. The idea that our mothers and sisters and the women of the world, post marriage just happen to give up their last names, their surnames. In such a world what if a woman were to retain her surname. As a man, my surname is a basic part of my identity. But the fact that I wouldn’t have the slightest idea of what it feels like to sacrifice that basic identity of my name is why this story is important and should be told. I’m glad Sudeep brought forward this new story as a writer and director. With stellar performers like Indrani and Neel to the beautiful pairing of Madhumita and Vikram as the married young couple and the bond between the two generations and its conflict — it felt like there was a movie that needed to be made and I’m glad I could just be a part of it as a helper.”