Red Polka Productions

03/04/2024

Dear Friends and Followers

As we bring the curtains down on Red Polka Productions we're filled with a mix of emotions. It's been an incredible journey filled with creativity, passion, and unforgettable experiences. We're immensely grateful to our team for their hard work, dedication, and talent that brought our projects to life. To our collaborators, partners, and supporters, thank you for believing in us and being part of this incredible ride.

While this chapter may be closing, the memories and friendships formed will forever remain in our hearts. We're proud of what we've accomplished together and look forward to new adventures ahead. As we bid farewell, we do so with a sense of gratitude and optimism for the future. Here's to the next chapter and the exciting possibilities it holds.

With Heartfelt Thanks
Anshulika and Prataya

08/12/2023

Grateful for the incredible support! 🙏

Aman Dhillon, curator of Shonar Khacha - The Golden Cage Film UK screenings, shares a heartfelt video championing our Oscars journey.

Her encouraging words amplify the film's impact. Thank you, Aman, for being a crucial part of this journey! Your support fuels our determination. Let's continue reaching for the stars.

04/12/2023

Ecstatic to announce the news that Mein Mehmood - The Film has soared into the Top 20 Bollywood releases of 2023, according to Times of India! 🚀🌟 Your overwhelming love propels us higher! Let's keep the cinematic celebration alive! 🎉🎬

Read the article here:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/top-20-best-bollywood-movies-of-2023

Best Bollywood Movies of 2023: Check out the list of top 20 Bollywood movies of 2023 along with movie review, box office collection, story, cast and crew by Times of India.

16/11/2023

The Times of India, India's largest newspaper, dives into the Enigmatic World of Shonar Khacha - The Golden Cage Film :

"The film delves deep into the themes of heritage conservation, silent rebellion of women in traditional Indian households and is set against the backdrop of north Kolkata", writes Raima Ganguly from Times of India

Read the article here:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spotlight/prataya-sahas-short-film-on-kolkata-heritage-is-competing-in-the-oscars-qualifying-run/articleshow/105211315.cms?from=mdr

Kolkata boy Prataya Saha left his corporate job, to pursue his filmmaking dreams.

14/11/2023

"Crafting a period film with such authenticity and emotional depth within constraints is no small feat, and the film deserves props for achieving this", says
eminent Indian film critic Navneet Mundhra about our newest short film

His glowing Twitter review for Shonar Khacha - The Golden Cage Film is a testament to it's brilliance! 🌟🎥

13/11/2023

This Diwali, Thrilled to share that Shonar Khacha - The Golden Cage Film has officially qualified to compete for the Oscars 2024 in the Best Live Action Short Film category!

Now, we seek your blessings as we embark on the journey to get Shortlisted.

For a small indie team of around 15 people, this achievement wouldn't be possible without the support of our amazing audience and well-wishers, who've stood by us for the last 4 years!

Thank you for being a part of this extraordinary adventure!

In Asia, we will see you as part of the prestigious Dhaka International Film Festival and Nepal Human Rights International Film Festival Human Rights Film Center, and in Washington DC as part of the DC South Asian Film Festival
DC South Asian Arts Council Inc.

Cast: Anshulika Kapoor, Sounak Sen Barat, Deboprasad Halder
Direction & Screenplay: Prataya Saha
Original Story: Victor Mukherjee
Cinematography: Subha Dey
Original Background Score: Sanjeev T
Editor: Prasanth Ambili
Colourist: Abhishekh Saravanan
Production and Costume Designer: Sounak Sen Barat
Make-up Artist: Bhaskar Sen , Rudrajeet Das
Sync Sound: Tony joppan
Sound Designer: Apurv Prasanna
Re-recording: Adrian Valentine Rodriges
Mastering: Sukruth Rao
Assistant Director: Bidushi Roy
Production Assistant: Sudeb Das
Supporting Cast: Prataya Saha, Sucharita Saha
Executive Producer: Anshulika Kapoor
Associate Producer: Romita Singh
Voice Over Artist: Anindita Banerjee Roy
Singers: Gitaleen Dutta, Sounak Sen Barat
Asst DOP: Dayal Das
Lights: Shankar, Shibu, Rahul
Casting Director: Shounak Majumdar
Subtitles: Karthik Bhandare
Social Media Consultant: Ankhi Pal
“SAIYAAN SUNE NA” song written by Sounak Sen Barat
Background voice over artists: Debajit Roy, Monica Roy, Indrajit Bose, Soma Bose, Rajib Chakraborty, Debalina Bakshi, Bidisha Roy, Sohini Chatterjee
Many thanks to: Sebabrata Choudhuri, Ritwika Basu, Kaustav Sen Barat, Kalyan Sen Barat
This film was shot at Barrister Babur Bari 92 Kabi Sukanta Sarani

10/11/2023

"Shonar Khacha is a technically strong film which reminds me of Satyajit Ray's 'Jalsaghar' ", says eminent Bengali music director and composer Kalyan Sen Barat after watching the film

Thank you sir, these kind words encourage us to move forward in our journey of independent filmmaking!

A big shout-out to the entire team, this is for you!

Shonar Khacha - The Golden Cage Film

03/11/2023

We're thrilled to announce that Shonar Khacha - The Golden Cage Film been officially selected to be part of the Nepal Human Rights International Film Festival, and it's going to be our Nepal premiere!

It's a significant honor for us to showcase our film's powerful message on the global stage at . We're excited to connect with an audience that values human rights, social justice, and impactful storytelling.

This journey has been an incredible one, and we can't wait to share it with a diverse and passionate audience in Nepal.

Join us in celebrating the magic of cinema that transcends borders and brings important stories to the world. Stay tuned for screening details and more exciting updates!

Poster design by

31/10/2023

Shonar Khacha - The Golden Cage Film: A Bengali Short Film Among Giants

Throwback to this surreal moment of our Bengali short film, "Shonar Khacha - The Golden Cage," screening in the California Bay Area theatre alongside some of Hollywood's biggest releases like Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer", "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", "Past Lives" & "Fremont".

Bengal's rich cultural heritage and its people's unwavering support have brought us to this remarkable juncture. "Shonar Khacha" is more than a film; it's an emotional journey that celebrates our roots, our culture, and our dreams.

This image will be etched in our hearts!

26/10/2023

Embark on a remarkable journey to unlock the enchanting world behind Mein Mehmood - The Film 🎥✨

Our exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary offers a captivating glimpse into the making of this thought-provoking short film. Discover the incredible artistry, unwavering dedication, and boundless passion that breathed life into 'Mein, Mehmood.' Stay tuned as we reveal the magic that happens off-camera.

25/10/2023

Celebrating a positive review from Letterboxd by film critic Mohnish Singh for Mein Mehmood - The Film! 📽️✨

We're thrilled to see our film resonating with audiences. Thank you for your support and for being a part of our cinematic journey.

Read the article here:
https://letterboxd.com/mohnishsingh/film/mein-mehmood/

Title: Mein Mehmood (2022) - A Short Film by Prataya Saha Introduction: "Mein Mehmood" is a poignant short film directed by Prataya Saha, released in 2022. The film delves into the life of Mehmood, a middle-aged immigrant in Dubai from the Indian subcontinent. His struggle to communicate in English....

25/10/2023

An incredible mid-week boost! Mein Mehmood - The Film has been named one of the '5 Must-Watch Short Films on OTT' by Jagran English 🎬✨

We're elated to be your choice for a mid-week binge.
Join us on this cinematic journey. Thank you, English Jagran, for the spotlight!

Read the article here:
https://english.jagran.com/entertainment/5-must-watch-short-films-on-ott-for-mid-week-binge-netflix-jio-cinema-amazon-prime-video-disney-hotstar-10104905

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Short films have become a powerful medium for storytelling in the era of OTT platforms. Here's a list of must-watch short films that offer diverse narratives and showcase global filmmaking talent, leaving you with new perspectives. So, get ready to be captivated by these impactful stories.

22/10/2023

Exciting news! We are thrilled to share that Mein Mehmood - The Film has been selected as one of the top 8 short films to watch on JioCinema, a recognition highlighted by the esteemed India Today. 🎥✨

This acknowledgment is not just a nod to our film but also a celebration of the power of concise storytelling. 'Mein, Mehmood' takes you on a thought-provoking journey, immersing you in the life of Mehmood, a telecaller navigating the challenges of the pandemic while working in a tourism company.

Read the article here:
https://www.indiatoday.in/visualstories/entertainment/8-must-watch-short-films-on-jiocinema-68047-07-10-2023

JioCinema has got a surprise for all the moviegoers. The digital film festival also known as JioCinema Film Fest has kickstarted with 20 specially curated powerful films. Take a look.

21/10/2023

We are featured on Film Companion, the leading reviewers of Indian films.

Thrilled to be featured in the list of films releasing in the first week of October along with releases like Khufiya, Mumbai Diaries 2, etc.

Read the article here:
https://www.filmcompanion.in/fc-lists/everything-releasing-on-streaming-this-week-2nd-october-to-8th-october

We have put together a list of everything releasing on streaming this week so that you don’t have to juggle between websites. 1. Rat in the KitchenWhen: 2nd Oct

20/10/2023

Mein Mehmood - The Film gets a whopping review of 3.5 stars from The Times of India, India's leading newspaper.

"Ozair Abdul Aleem delivers a remarkable performance," writes Archika Khurana from TOI.

Read the article here:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-details/mein-mehmood/movieshow/104124188.cms

Mein Mehmood Movie 2023 Review: Find details of Mein Mehmood along with its release date, movie review, critics rating, trailer, teaser, full video songs and cast. Ozair Abdul Aleem,Anshulika Kapoor,Prataya Saha,Mahammed Sabith Abbas are playing lead roles in Mein Mehmood.

19/10/2023

Outlook Magazine recommends Mein Mehmood - The Film as one of the 4 must-watch new releases on OTTs across Netflix India, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar & Jiocinema Live

"Step into the world of 'Mein Mehmood,' a thought-provoking journey of resilience and transformation," writes Outlook, one the biggest magazines in India.

The other films that made it to their list are ‘The Silent Canvas’ (Netflix), ‘Paper Planes’ (Amazon Prime Video) & ‘Antim Path’ (Disney+ Hotstar)

Head to JioCinema to watch it today!

Read the article:
https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/streaming-wonders-the-charm-of-unconventional-storytelling-news-323132

Here’s a curated list of a few films currently shining on OTT platforms.

10/10/2023

Shonar Khacha - The Golden Cage Film Premieres in Toronto as part of IFFSA Toronto on October 14th - The largest South Asian Film festival in North America.

Come join us in watching a glimpse of Kolkata's legacy on a World stage!

We thank the jury and programmers.

Congratulations team.

06/10/2023

Celebrating a Proud Moment: 'The Golden Cage - Shonar Khacha' featured in The Telegraph, Kolkata! 📰🎥

An incredible full-circle moment for us!

Shonar Khacha - The Golden Cage Film is premiering at IFFSA Toronto on October 14

Thank you Udiita Chakraborty for this lovely and nuanced article!

Red Polka Productions Spotlight Tribe Productions

Read the article here:
https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/people/audience-appreciation-reinforces-belief-in-my-work-as-a-filmmaker-prataya-saha/cid/1971282?fbclid=IwAR0tHmkrQFdfawaisMMkDPSFWUgpU8HGkhDYpKmjWNl75TNm4h5d5nLB22Q

The independent filmmaker’s latest – ‘Shonar Khacha’ – is set to be being screened at the International Film Festival of South Asia, Toronto

04/10/2023

Director Prataya Saha had a fun and light-hearted conversation with the Amazing Talat Awan from BBC Radio Machester.

They talked about my films, the UK tour, the philosophy behind them, and life!

Thank you BBC for being such an excellent host.

The UK tour begins tomorrow at Manchester. See you guys there!

This is brought to you by and supported by

02/10/2023

We've got some exhilarating news to share!

After an incredible Oscars qualifying run in California, Shonar Khacha - The Golden Cage Film, our labour of love and poignant exploration of heritage and human stories, has been chosen as an Official Selection at IFFSA Toronto 2023 - the biggest South Asian film festival in North America!

This selection is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team. Shonar Khacha, set against the backdrop of Kolkata, delves into the essence of family, tradition, and societal changes.

Being part of IFFSA Toronto is an honor and an opportunity to share this beautiful narrative with a global audience.

25/09/2023

In the news in Kolkata, India on samay - one of the most popular Bengali newspapers by

"More and more Indian films are vying for the Oscars" it says followed by how "Shonar Khacha - The Golden Cage" represents the rising wave of Indian storytelling aiming for the Oscars.

Let's come together and celebrate the triumph of diverse storytelling, for it's a win for all of us!

24/09/2023

Showtimes of "Shonar Khacha - The Golden Cage" playing from Sunday till next Thursday in Oakland, California

Honestly at a personal level, it feels a little surreal to find our film playing in the same space as "Oppenheimer".

People in the Bay Area tickets are available please do visit and show your support to independent filmmakers!

Head out to The New Parkway theatre, grab a drink and enjoy the show!

23/09/2023

We are in the news!

"It brings back memories of Satyajit Ray's 'Jalsaghar' (1958)" writes Urmi Mukherjee from The Federal in this article on the US Theatrical Release of Shonar Khacha - The Golden Cage Film and its concurrent Oscars qualifying run..

Making a period short with authenticity takes a herculean effort, from the scripting to production and especially post production; this exclusive with The Federal covers it all about a film that is an ode to the city of Kolkata

Prataya Saha on his Bengali-language film, Shonar Khacha, which revolves around Kolkata’s fading heritage buildings, and subtly explores family and gender dynamics