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Indo American banner debuts with Bengali film 'Chheledhora'
After completion, the project is expected to be submitted to international film festivals.
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Staff Reporter - Wed, 04, Mar 2026
- 11:56 EST
- 21
Logo of the Indo-American production banner Sita22 Films / Courtesy: Jitin Hingorani
Indo-American production banner Sita22 Films has announced the launch of its inaugural project, a Bengali-language family thriller, 'Chheledhora.’
The film’s principal photography began on March 1 in Itanagar and Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh.
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Written and directed by Shieladitya Moulik, known for the Bangla film 'Sweater' and the theatrical release 'Surjo,' 'Chheledhora' follows Brishti, a divorced woman portrayed by Swastika Mukherjee.
The story unfolds after Brishti impulsively takes her daughter for a birthday outing, only to discover the child has actually been abducted, triggering a series of events that lead to a life-altering journey.
The film combines elements of family drama, thriller, and dark humor and is structured as a road movie centered on a morally complex female character. After completion, the project is expected to be submitted to international film festivals.
The banner is founded by Anindita (Ann) Mukherjee, an Indian-American film producer and executive, who recently transitioned from a highly successful corporate career—most notably as the CEO of Pernod Ricard North America.
“Throughout my four decades as a corporate executive at global companies including PepsiCo, S.C. Johnson, and Pernod Ricard, I’ve seen how creativity is the oxygen to growth,” said Mukherjee.
“Chheledhora drew me in because it places women and children at its emotional core—portraying both their vulnerability and resilience. Funding and co-producing this film reflects the kind of socially conscious, emotionally layered stories I want my new production company to champion in order to provide a much-needed platform for those who are innocent and voiceless.”
Director Moulik described the narrative as a story about parents confronting personal failures and rediscovering responsibility. “Chheledhora is a story about broken parents discovering the courage and selflessness they didn’t know they possessed,” Moulik said.
“It may unfold like a road journey with unexpected twists and turns, but at its heart, it’s about healing—about how children often become the moral compass for adults.”
Swastika Mukherjee, who has appeared in 'Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!’ directed by Dibakar Banerjee for Yash Raj Films and 'Janala' by Buddhadeb Dasgupta, recently featured in 'Qala,' the series 'Paatal Lok,' and 'Kaali Potka' for ZEE5.
“Brishti is not an easy woman to like, and that’s what moved me,” Swastika said. “She is impulsive, wounded, and deeply flawed, but her love for her daughter is instinctive and fierce. At its heart, this is a tender story about motherhood, forgiveness, and finding strength in the most fragile moments.”
Handyyman is co-producing the film with Protiqe Mojoomdar involved in the project. “When I read ‘Chheledhora,’ I had an urgent instinct to come on board because the script had emotional depth and commercial energy. With Swastika attached early, we knew we had a winner,” Mojoomdar said.
Jitin Hingorani will serve as the creative producer and film festival strategist. Vincenzo Condorelli is the cinematographer for the film.
Priyangi Borthakur is the supervising producer, and Dhanraj Sawant is the executive producer on the project. Suven Kumar Das is line producing the film, while Somanwita Bhattacharya is handling production design and Ajopa Mukherjee is designing costumes.
Filming is expected to continue through the end of March, with additional casting expected to be announced later.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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