Prosenjit Chatterjee Takes on a Doctor’s Role in ‘Doctor Kaku’
Prosenjit Chatterjee plays a doctor for the first time. Pavel’s ‘Doctor Kaku’ deals with father-son tensions, the commercialization of medicine, and moral crises.
Entertainment Desk: After portraying police officers and the popular fictional sleuth Kakababu in recent years, Prosenjit Chatterjee is taking on a distinctly different role. The veteran Bengali actor plays a doctor for the first time in Doctor Kaku, directed by Pavel. The film hit theaters yesterday.
The story revolves around a father and his son, both of whom are doctors. Despite sharing the same profession, they have sharply different views on medical practice, responsibility toward patients and the purpose of healthcare.
Their personal differences become more complicated when they are faced with the responsibility of saving a patient’s life. The resulting conflict forms the emotional core of the film.
Doctor Kaku also examines some of the broader challenges surrounding healthcare. The film touches on the rising cost of quality treatment, the commercialization of medicine and the ethical dilemmas faced by medical professionals.
Alongside Prosenjit, the film features National Award-winning actor Riddhi Sen and Ena Saha.
Prosenjit on learning from the younger generation
Speaking to Indian media outlet The Wall during the film’s promotion, Prosenjit said he remains interested in learning from younger actors.
Riddhi Sen’s presence in Doctor Kaku was one of the factors that particularly attracted him to the project. Prosenjit said he sometimes messages Riddhi late at night when he comes across a performance or video he likes.
According to the actor, the younger generation has developed its own approach to acting, and experienced performers also need to adapt to that changing language.
He also revealed that he would sit with Riddhi and read through the script before shooting complicated scenes.
A character rooted in Bengali middle-class life
Prosenjit’s role in Doctor Kaku goes beyond the professional identity of a physician. The character is shaped by middle-class values, personal beliefs and a strong sense of principles. His complicated relationship with his son adds another layer to the role.
The actor told The Wall that the film carries a familiar Bengali middle-class atmosphere and remains closely connected to Bengali roots. Although audiences may find aspects of the character familiar, he said he had never played a role quite like this before.
In another interview with Sangbad Pratidin, Prosenjit described himself as an emotional person who likes to remain connected to his roots and past. He said he had encountered several people resembling the character of “Doctor Kaku” in his own life, which made him immediately interested in the role.
A film years in the making
The production of Doctor Kaku began before the COVID-19 pandemic. After a lengthy journey and several years of waiting, the film has finally reached theaters.
Directed by Pavel, the film combines a family drama with questions surrounding healthcare, economic inequality and professional ethics, while presenting Prosenjit in a role audience have not seen him play before.
