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www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know for the film. Equally notable was the transformation of the climactic sequence. In the original story, Gupi and Bagha disrupted a grand puja ceremony by showering sweets from the sky, creating chaos among the crowd before capturing the king. In Ray’s version, this sequence shifted to the battlefield, where starving soldiers aban- doned warfare to devour the magically conjured sweets. War ceased and peace prevailed — a deeply humanist statement against violence and conflict. TIMELESS LEGACY ACROSS GENERATIONS Across the decades, Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne has en- joyed immense popularity across countries and genera- tions. The Academy Film Archive in Hollywood preserved the film in 2003. Ray’s work also inspired a Hindi animat- ed adaptation titled Goopi Gawaiya Bagha Bajaiya, direct- ed by Shilpa Ranade and released in 2013. The film went on to win the FICCI BAF Award for Best Indian Animated Feature Film (Theatrical Release). Several children’s graphic novels too continue to pay homage to Satyajit Ray’s cinematic vision, carefully il- lustrating the beloved characters for younger generations. More than a century after Upendrakishore penned the story, and nearly six decades after Satyajit Ray immor- talised it on screen, Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne continues to remain a timeless celebration of imagination, music, friendship and peace. The writer is a Kolkata-based visual anthropologist, culture specialist, writer, translator and columnist. Views expressed are personal. -This article appeared on Southasiamonitor.org May 13, 2026. Used under special arrangement with SAM Homage To An Iconic Ray Film Whose Popularity Spans Generations And Cultures - Continued From Page 26 Anupam Kher Wins Best Supporting Actor For ‘Calorie’ At UK Asian Film Festival 2026 A nupam Kher has added another inter- national achievement to his career after winning the Best Supporting Actor Flame Award at the UK Asian Film Festival for his performance in the Canadian-Indian film ‘Calorie’. The film, directed by Eisha Marjara, also emerged as a major winner at the festival by securing the Best Film award. Sharing the news on Instagram, Kher de- scribed the role as one of the most emotionally demanding performances of his career. The actor said the character was inspired by real-life experiences, making the process both “challenging and emotionally draining”. Kher also mentioned in the caption the impor- tance of receiving recognition on an internation- al platform after decades in the entertainment industry. “It is always a wonderful feeling to receive ap- preciation, especially when it comes from outside India and for an international film,” he wrote. The actor congratulated the entire team be- hind ‘Calorie’, including director Eisha Marjara and producer Joe Blass, while thanking the festival jury for the honour. Several members of the film industry extend- ed their wishes following the announcement. Actress Neena Gupta commented, “Congratu- lations”, while filmmaker Ashoke Pandit wrote, “Heartiest Congratulations Kher Sahab.” Meanwhile, Anupam Kher is preparing to re- turn to the stage with his play ‘Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane’ at Mumbai’s Tata Theatre on May 15 and 16. Written and directed by Gajendra Ahire, the production features music by Anu Malik and lyr- ics by Kausar Munir. - ANI PHOTO: ANI S uperstar Vikram’s upcoming film, tentatively titled ‘Chiyaan 63’, has announced its female lead for the movie. The makers of ‘Chiyaan 63’ have announced that ‘SarvamMaya’ actress Riya Shibu has boarded the cast of the film. It is directed by Anand Shankar. Taking to her Instagram handle, Riya Shibhu shared her character an- nouncement poster for the film. While sharing the poster, the actress wrote, “Adding fuel to the FLAME. Casting update on Chiyaan 63. Delulu Riya Shibu on board! A film by Anand Shankar on floors soon.” Riya Shibu will also be seen in the upcoming film ‘Athiradi’, which also stars Tovino Thomas and Basil Joseph in the lead roles. The makers have released the trailer of the film. The film is helmed by debut director Arun Anirudhan, who is known for writ- ing the script of Minnal Murali, which was a hit at the box office in 2021. According to the trailer, the film revolves around the return of a popular college fest. The video introduces Basil Joseph as Samkutty, a student deter- mined to bring the event back to impress his crush, Riya Shibu, in the film. The movie takes a tragic turn when Basil Joseph crosses paths with Tovino Thomas’s character, a goon who often beats his enemies while singing a song. What begins as a clash of egos soon escalates into a larger conflict, igniting the chain of events that blends action, comedy, romance and campus fights. The film is slated to release on May 14. - ANI Riya Shibu Boards Chiyaan Vikram’s Upcoming Film As Lead Heroine PHOTO: ANI Art/Culture Entertainment News India Times (May 16, 2026 - May 22, 2026) May 22, 2026 27