Detective Byomkesh Bakshy's Song, Calcutta Kiss, Faces Objection

Dibakar Banerjee's Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! recently launched the song 'Calcutta Kiss' in the most innovative way. 50 dancers got together at the Howrah Bridge on 3rd February to wish the bridge a happy birthday and performed on the song Calcutta Kiss.

The song which is a peppy retro number has garnered a lot of appreciation. However, a lot of people have reached out to Dibakar raising an issue on the title of the song.

The name of the city was changed to Kolkata after independence. Every time the old name of a city is being used people come out protesting. This time around too, many individuals from Kolkata have written to Dibakar to change the song title from Calcutta Kiss to Kolkata Kiss.

During the 1940's Kolkata was called Calcutta. As the film is set in 1943, Dibakar had to keep the song title as Calcutta Kiss. So he finds this bizarre. "Those who are objecting are doing this to get some limelight. That's how you get your 15 minutes of fame. Also, this was not completely unexpected because, in India today, everyone is always ready to take offence," says Dibakar.

Since the film is set in 1943, Dibakar has made a point to keep the entire film authentic and has put in a lot of detailing to make the film look like that era. There is a directive by the censor board that says that old names of cities cannot be used in a film. And although the director is aware of this, he hopes to make the members of the body understand. Dibakar adds, "If there is any objection, I will talk to them (censor board members) and explain that the film has 1943 as its backdrop. Kolkata was called Calcutta then, and the song is a swing jazz track. I am sure they will understand."