Superstar Dev’s Khadaan continues to top the box office. Deepak Adhikari’s Khadaan has even outperformed Pushpa. However, Binodini was released in Indian theaters on January 23. On Thursday, the successful Tollywood duo was seen at the World Bengali Business Summit (BGBS 2025).
Bengali cinema has a long and rich history. Unfortunately, compared to the South, Bengali cinema does not receive adequate investment, with limited capital. Big-budget films like Khadaan are rare in Bengali cinema, whereas in the South, a similar budget could fund a series or training project.
“Right now, the Tollywood industry is in a chaotic state with groups, syndicates, federations, and guilds! By the time issues are resolved during film production, the day ends. Yet, there is no shortage of talent in Bengal’s film industry—whether it’s music, acting, melody, direction, or anything else.”
Perhaps this is why Mamata Banerjee has invited Tollywood’s biggest faces, Deepak Adhikari and Rukmini Maitra, to the stage to promote a message for attracting major investments.
At a side meeting during the summit, Rukmini delivered a speech. Director Gautam Ghosh stated that West Bengal is naturally very rich, with a diverse range of natural beauty from the Himalayas to the Sundarbans. This makes it a prime location for film investments. He encouraged filmmakers to come here and create films, adding that there are also opportunities for co-productions. Rukmini also highlighted this point during the side meeting.
Gautam Ghosh further stated that preserving our culture is extremely important. In this regard, the Chief Minister’s positive role is particularly noteworthy. She always speaks about Bengal’s arts and culture and makes efforts throughout the year to preserve this heritage. We are all grateful for her efforts.
“At the inauguration of the business summit on Wednesday, no ministers were present on the stage. Only Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Chief Economic Adviser Amit Mitra were present. Mamata praised Amit Mitra, calling him the key person and main character of the business summit. He has profound knowledge of the global economy.”
“On the second day of the summit, the Chief Minister, sitting among the audience, told the ministers, ‘Why are you sitting down there? Come up to the stage.'”
In response, for the first time, Industry Minister Shashi Panja, Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim, Tourism Minister Indranil Sen, and Labour Minister Moloy Ghatak took their seats on the stage. Along with them, Dev and Rukmini were also invited to the stage. However, Dev and Rukmini did not sit next to each other. Dev sat in the front row, while Rukmini sat in the row behind him.
Rukmini Maitra delivered a speech at a side meeting during the business summit. She mentioned that she has worked in both Tollywood and Mumbai. Recently, she received praise from renowned director Ashutosh Gowariker. Also present at the event was Gautam Ghosh, who highlighted the natural beauty of Bengal. Gautam stated that West Bengal is naturally rich, with nature shaping Bengal in its full glory, from the Himalayan mountain ranges to the dense forests of the Sundarbans. Bengal is adorned in an exquisite form.
