Best Director Award to Dr. Shubhro Chakrabartty for ‘Hero of Asia’

Mumbai, Nov 09

At the 10th Dehradun International Film Festival 2025, held from 7th to 9th November 2025 at PVR Centrio Mall, Dehradun, Dr. Shubhro Chakrabartty was honoured with the Best Director Award (Independent Category) for his historical short film Hero of Asia, produced under the banner of Shubhro-Kumud (S-K) Films. The film, co-produced by Mr. Kumud Das and Dr. Chakrabartty, captivated both audiences and critics with its powerful reinterpretation of one of India’s most enigmatic freedom fighters, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Talking to Bizz Buzz, Dr Chakrabartty said, “Hero of Asia offers a bold historical reinterpretation that challenges the official account of Bose’s death in 1945.”

Rather than dying in a plane crash, the film portrays Bose as a sage-like revolutionary who continues his mission for Asian liberation in exile, he said.

Set against the backdrop of Red China in 1947, the narrative follows Bose and INA loyalist Habibur as they encounter Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar, a South Indian leader urging Bose to return to India. Witnessing the pain of partition, communal violence, and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals, Bose ultimately chooses to remain in exile. His haunting final words, “Once an INA, always an INA,” resonate as he disappears into the wilderness, symbolizing the undying spirit of resistance.

The emotional depth of the film is further enhanced by the inclusion of the evocative poem “I Am Subhas Speaking,” where Bose’s timeless voice transcends history to condemn corruption, expose truth distortions, and reignite the revolutionary spirit. Through its lyrical storytelling and intense performances, Hero of Asia elevates Bose from a nationalist icon to a universal symbol of courage, integrity, and awakening.

The cast features Adv. Nripendra Krishna Roy, Kishore Halder, Sameer Roy, and Anupam Ojha, whose authentic and passionate performances bring the story to life. Noted filmmaker Shri Sudipto Sen, acclaimed director of The Kerala Story, presented Dr. Chakrabartty with the Best Director award.

Shot entirely in the serene landscapes of Uttarakhand, Hero of Asia combines historical imagination with spiritual reflection, paying tribute to Bose’s indomitable legacy and the eternal call for truth and unity amid political distortion.

With this prestigious recognition, S-K Films continues its mission of creating meaningful, thought-provoking cinema that bridges history, philosophy, and art.