Bengali Filmmaker Anik Dutta Dies in Kolkata at 66

The following days, Kolkata Police filed a case of unnatural death and launched an investigation into the mysterious circumstances of his death. Police officials have not settled on whether foul play was involved. None of the family or authorities issued any official statement until late Wednesday night. His body was transferred to SSKM Hospital later on for post-mortem examination. Anik Dutta’s wife and daughter survive him. It’s also expected his last rites take place Thursday in Kolkata. 

The filmmaker made his way in Bengal as the result of the enormous success enjoyed by his first film Bhooter Bhabishyat in 2012. The movie received praise for its witty dialogue, political satire, and unique storytelling style. Even now, much of the dialogue from the film resonates well with Bengali viewers after more than a decade. The success of Bhooter Bhabishyat even inspired the Hindi remake by late filmmaker Satish Kaushik called Gang Of Ghosts. While Anik Dutta’s films Borunbabur Bondhu (2020), Aparajito (2022) and recently Joto Kando Kolkatatei (2025) became the most critically respected titles of his career. Aparajito is the film inspired by the life and journey of Indian director Satyajit Ray, which was widely acclaimed by critics and movie enthusiasts. 

A Left-leaning politician, Anik Dutta was known for his open social and political comments. He was also particularly outspoken in his attacks against former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In 2019, his film Bhobishyoter Bhoot had been widely condemned across West Bengal for its satirical political material and had problems going out in various West Bengal cinema houses. As word of his death circulated, political leaders, actors and directors and fans expressed condolences. West Bengal leader Suvendu Adhikari expressed his grief and called Anik Dutta’s contribution to Bengali cinema “priceless.” CPI(M) chiefs Mohammad Salim and Satarup Ghosh also went to the hospital to commemorate the director. 

Debolina Dutta, the actress, said the director had had mental health and mental challenges in recent years. Director Kaushik Ganguly; actor Rudranil Ghosh; actor Jeetu Kamal; actress Manashi Sinha, and other celebrities were witnessed in the hospital. Ironically, Anik Dutta had just turned a birthday on May 22 days ago and had posted pictures of himself that evoked nostalgia on social media. Aside from film, Anik Dutta also grew up in a good family background. He was the grandson of Narendra Chandra Dutta, the founder of United Bank of India. Anik Dutta leaves a legacy that Bengali cinema will always remember with brilliant narratives, political jabs and memorable classics..