Mamata Ji and Her Haseen Sapne: A 22-Language Biopic before Next Poll?

[Sukla Sen]

A biopic with versions in 22 languages!

To be shown nationwide.

The idea must have had emanated from PK - her poll strategist on hire.

But, surely, it cannot be done with money out of the state budget.

That's why Adani in Nabanna!?

Via the film - with the help of AI, she may be speaking 22 languages; but in real life, her Hindi would still be laughable, English - less than so-so, and even Bengali - nothing more than just so-so.

Of course she has a strong connect with the Bengali subaltern masses; no doubt about that.

But beyond that, her ability to communicate is fairly limited.

And, as yet, her party has a raucous "Bengali" identity; and that's a major selling point.

Would all this turn out to be a case of: छब्बे बनने चौबै जी चले, दुबे बन कर घर लौटे!?

According to sources, the biopic will be released in all 22 constitutionally recognised regional languages across the country and not just in English, Hindi or Bengali. Once the biopic is ready, the TMC plans to showcase it to people in every region through smaller television channels with mass connect and rope in popular OTT platforms for maximum reach, they added.

The Bengal CM herself is known to take a keen interest in art and literature. She has penned over a 100 books, written poems and composed songs, not just in Bengali but also in English, Urdu and Hindi. Her work has been translated into Ol Chiki (the script for Santhali language).

(Excerpted from: <https://theprint.in/politics/mamata-biopic-possible-party-name-change-tmc-aims-for-national-appeal-ahead-of-2024-polls/776514/>.)