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{{Short description|Upcoming film by Srijit Mukherji}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2026}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2026}}
{{Infobox film
| image = Winkle Twinkle.jpg
| director = [[Srijit Mukherji]]
| producer = Firdausul Hasan
| starring = {{Plain list|
* [[Ritwick Chakraborty]]
* [[Parambrata Chatterjee]]
}}
| studio = {{Plain list|
* Friends Communication
* Rajashree Productions
}}
| distributor = [[PVR Inox Pictures]]
| released = {{Film date|2026|09|04|df=y}}
| country = India
| language = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]
| screenplay = Srijit Mukherji
| story = [[Bratya Basu]]
| based_on = ''Winkle Twinkle'' by Bratya Basu
}}
'''''Winkle Twinkle''''' is a 2026 [[Bengali language|Bengali]] [[political drama]] film<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2025-01-28 |title=Subhashree to play Binodini in Srijit Mukherji's next |url=https://www.millenniumpost.in/entertainment/subhashree-to-play-binodini-in-srijit-mukherjis-next-596537 |access-date=2026-08-18 |website=www.millenniumpost.in |language=en}}</ref> directed and written by [[Srijit Mukherji]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Acharya |first=Anindita |date=2025-01-23 |title=Wear the word 'aantel' as a badge of honour: Srijit Mukherji |url=https://www.millenniumpost.in/entertainment/wear-the-word-aantel-as-a-badge-of-honour-srijit-mukherji-595976 |access-date=2026-08-18 |website=www.millenniumpost.in |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brahma |first=Sanjali |date=August 7, 2026 |title=Srijit Mukherji's Maharaja Tomare Selam to trace the making and magic of Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne |url=https://t2online.in/screen/bengali/srijit-mukherji-s-maharaja-tomare-selam-to-trace-the-making-and-magic-of-goopy-gyne-bagha-byne-/2007101 |access-date=2026-08-18 |website=t2online.in |language=en}}</ref> It is based on the play of the same name written by actor and playwright [[Bratya Basu]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Acharya |first=Anindita |date=2026-01-01 |title=Reel Focus 2026: Bengali films to watch out for in 2026 |url=https://www.millenniumpost.in/entertainment/reel-focus-2026-bengali-films-to-watch-out-for-in-2026-642249 |access-date=2026-08-18 |website=www.millenniumpost.in |language=en}}</ref> The film, produced by Firdausul Hasan under the banner of Friends Communication stars [[Ritwick Chakraborty]] and [[Parambrata Chatterjee]] in the lead roles. Later, Rajashree Productions collaborated with Communications to produce the film.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Hasan |first=Firdausul |date=February 5, 2026 |title=Producer Firdausul Hasan writes about co-producing Bengali content for a stronger 2026 |url=https://t2online.in/screen/bengali/producer-firdausul-hasan-writes-about-co-producing-bengali-content-for-a-stronger-2026/2003491 |access-date=2026-08-18 |website=t2online.in |language=en}}</ref> In November 2024, Mukherji shared a poster for the film showing a broken statue of [[Vladimir Lenin]] with two actors sitting in front of it. ''Winkle Twinkle'' is one of Mukherji's films adapted from [[Drama|dramas]], with his previous film adapting the play [[Julius Caesar (play)|''Julius Caesar'']].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Niyogi |first=Agnivo |date=2024-11-25 |title=Winkle Twinkle: Srijit Mukherji's next film is an adaptation of Bratya Basu's play |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/winkle-twinkle-srijit-mukherjis-next-film-is-an-adaptation-of-bratya-basus-play/cid/2065901 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114143527/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/winkle-twinkle-srijit-mukherjis-next-film-is-an-adaptation-of-bratya-basus-play/cid/2065901 |archive-date=2026-01-14 |access-date=2026-08-18 |work=[[The Telegraph (India)]] |language=en}}</ref> The film is planned to be distributed by [[PVR Inox Pictures]] in theaters.

The film revolves around a father named Sabyasachi Sen and a son named Indra. It primarily focuses on Sen who disappears from police custody in January 1976, and later "reappears like [[Rip Van Winkle]] to find a completely transformed world and family." A teaser for the film lasting 1 minute 26 seconds was released on July 30, 2026. ''Winkle Twinkle'' is set for a release on September 4, 2026.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-07-30 |title='Winkle Twinkle' teaser: Ritwick Chakraborty, Parambrata Chattopadhyay clash over political ideologies |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/winkle-twinkle-teaser-ritwick-chakraborty-parambrata-chattopadhyay-clash-over-political-ideologies/cid/2172546 |access-date=August 18, 2026 |work=The Telegraph}}</ref> A song for it was recorded by [[Shreya Ghoshal]] and Tamalika Golder. The [[Film shooting|film's shooting]] started some time after November 25, 2024 and was wrapped up by January 26, 2025. Several comments about the roles, plot and theme of it were issued by the director, actors and producer.

It was heard in mid-2023 that Srijit Mukherji would acquire the rights of the play by Bratya Basu and direct it into a film. However, the announcement of the film was made in November 2024 along with the caption that shooting would be started very soon. Basu commented that he had faith in Mukherji despite that his play was for the theater. Later, [[Anashua Majumdar]] and [[Angana Roy (Bengali actress)|Angana Roy]] were stated to be included in the film cast. In December 2024, Shreya Ghoshal and Tamalika Golder recorded a song which Mukherji posted about on social media. Another song named "Na Thaka Priyo" from the film was released on YouTube focusing on the central theme of it and love, emotions. A new poster for the film was put out in April 2026 showing a blood bag with two bridges.

== Premise ==
The play ''Winkle Twinkle'' was written by [[Bratya Basu]] in 2002. The play portrays political conflict between a father who is ethical and upright and a son, who is unhesitant to compromise for his own benefit. In the same year [[Debesh Chattopadhyay]] adapted the play into a stage production with his own theater group.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 29, 2026 |title=বাম জমানার নাটক ফিরছে তৃণমূল আমলে, ব্রাত্যের 'উইঙ্কল টুইঙ্কল' এ বার সৃজিতের সিনেমায় |url=https://www.anandabazar.com/video/srijit-mukherji-to-adapt-bratya-basus-popular-stage-drama-winkle-twinkle-for-silver-screen-dgtl/cid/1578144 |access-date=August 18, 2026 |work=Anandabazar}}</ref> The play focused on Sabyasachi Sen who disappeared from police custody in 1976 and later found himself 26 years later in 2002 standing against his son Indra on opposite political grounds.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chakraborty |first=Shamayita |date=November 25, 2024 |title=Srijit Mukherji's Winkle Twinkle: Ritwick Chakraborty as Sabtasachi Sen? Who's playing Indra? |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/srijit-mukherjis-winkle-twinkle-ritwick-chakraborty-as-sabtasachi-sen-whos-playing-indra/1b15afc86d292 |access-date=2026-08-18 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 30, 2026 |title=ঋত্বিক-পরমব্রতর সম্পর্কের টানাপোড়েন, 'উইঙ্কল টুইঙ্কল'-এর টিজারে রাজনৈতিক আদর্শের সংঘাত |url=https://www.sangbadpratidin.in/entertainment/cinema/srijit-mukherji-upcoming-movie-winkle-twinkle-teaser-out/pid/1266117/ |access-date=2026-08-18 |website=[[Sangbad Pratidin]] |language=bn |agency=সংবাদ প্রতিদিন ডিজিটাল ডেস্ক}}</ref>

== Cast ==
Source:<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 9, 2026 |title=Winkle Twinkle - Official Teaser |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/regional/bangla/winkle-twinkle-official-teaser/videoshow/133063841.cms |access-date=2026-08-18 |website=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref>

* [[Ritwick Chakraborty]] as Sabyasachi Sen
* [[Parambrata Chatterjee]] as Indra
* [[Anashua Majumdar]] as Rajlokkhi Sen
** [[Sohini Sarkar]] as Young Rajlokkhi
* [[Angana Roy (Bengali actress)|Angana Roy]] as Indrani Sen
* [[Rajatava Dutta]]
* [[Debesh Chattopadhyay]]
* Unmesh Ganguly (Cameo)

== Production and development ==
In mid-2023, it was heard that Srijit Mukherji might acquire rights to Bratya Basu's play to start and direct a film on it. ''Winkle Twinkle'' was confirmed to be made a real film in November 2024, with statements made by him. Mukherji released a poster in the same month with announcements that the [[film shooting]] would be starting very soon. It was speculated in the late-2023 that [[Anirban Bhattacharya]] might be playing a role in it, which was later proven false with the official names of the actors given out. Besides, it was reported by Sangbad Pratidin that [[Angana Roy (Bengali actress)|Angana Roy]] will play the role of Indra's sister and [[Anashua Majumdar]] would play the role of Sen's mother.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 25, 2024 |title=লেনিনের ভাঙা মূর্তি, কাস্তে-হাতুড়ি, 'উইঙ্কল টুইঙ্কল' সিনেমার পোস্টারে সৃজিতের চমক |url=https://www.sangbadpratidin.in/entertainment/cinema/srijit-mukherji-shared-winkle-twinkle-film-poster/pid/1000346/ |access-date=2026-08-18 |website=[[Sangbad Pratidin]] |language=bn}}</ref>

Srijit Mukherji confirmed that he would be [[Film director|directing]] and later releasing a new film based on a play by Bratya Basu on November 24, 2026, the day on which the [[film poster]] was released. The poster showed the symbol of hammer and sickle, along with a broken statue of [[Lenin]] with two people sitting in front of it, whose faces were not then revealed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mitra |first=Pooja |date=November 27, 2024 |title=Srijit Mukherji to adapt Bratya Basu's play, 'Winkle Twinkle', for the big screen |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/try-this/social/srijit-mukherji-to-direct-bratya-basus-winkle-twinkle-on-silver-screen/cid/2066202 |access-date=August 18, 2026 |website=The Telegraph}}</ref> Sources stated that [[Ritwick Chakraborty]] and [[Parambrata Chatterjee]] would be playing the lead roles, along with Anashua Majumdar and Angana Roy to play as actors. Bratya Basu said that his play ''Winkle Twinkle'' was written primarily for [[theaters]]. However he showed [[optimism]] about the upcoming film, "I am feeling happy. Even though I am quite skeptical, since this play was written mainly for theaters. However, I believe in Srijit. With his talent, he will be able to give ''Winkle Twinkle'' its own cinematic language." [[Film producer|Producer]] Firdausul Hasan during this time bought the rights to the film. He stated that although the film is a [[political drama]], it is an [[Literary adaptation|adaptation]]. The shooting was to start from January 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 25, 2024 |title=সৃজিতের পরিচালনায় 'উইঙ্কল টুইঙ্কল', মঞ্চ থেকে ছবি, কতটা আশাবাদী ব্রাত্য-দেবেশ? |url=https://www.anandabazar.com/entertainment/bratya-basu-and-debesh-chattopadhyay-share-their-thought-as-srijit-mukherji-directs-winkle-twinkle-dgtl/cid/1562949 |access-date=August 18, 2026 |work=[[Anandabazar Patrika]] |agency=আনন্দবাজার অনলাইন সংবাদদাতা}}</ref>

On December 10, 2024, Mukherji posted pictures on social media from a [[recording studio]] remarking that singers [[Shreya Ghoshal]] and Tamalika Golder had recorded a song for the film. This recording followed his first poster release in November.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-12-11 |title=Ahead of Agartala show, Shreya Ghoshal records song for Srijit Mukherji's film Winkle Twinkle |url=https://nenews.in/tripura/ahead-of-agartala-show-shreya-ghoshal-records-song-for-srijit-mukherjis-film-winkle-twinkle/16758/ |access-date=2026-08-18 |website=Northeast News |language=en-US}}</ref> Before the film, Ghoshal sung "Baundule Ghuri" for Mukherji's film [[Dawshom Awbotaar|''Dawsham Abotaar'']] in 2023. Golder made her singing debut with Mukherji's [[web series]] ''Durga Rohoshyo''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Niyogi |first=Agnivo |date=December 11, 2024 |title=Winkle Twinkle: Shreya Ghoshal records song for Srijit Mukherji's next film |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/shreya-ghoshal-records-a-song-for-srijit-mukherjis-next-film/cid/2069855 |access-date=August 18, 2026 |website=The Telegraph}}</ref> A song was later released named "Na Thaka Priyo", although initially not suggested by Mukherji's post.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 9, 2026 |title=Winkle Twinkle {{!}} Song - Na Thaka Priyo |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/music/bengali/winkle-twinkle-song-na-thaka-priyo/videoshow/133063811.cms |access-date=2026-08-18 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>

"Na Thaka Priyo" was another song from ''Winkle Twinkle'', with lyrics by Srimoy Bhattacharya, music by Tamalika Golder, and vocals by Rapurna Bhattacharya. The song's [[Theme (narrative)|theme]] describes the undying love between two lovers despite their physical distance. Piya Roy of [[The Telegraph (India)|The Telegraph]] wrote, "''Na thaka priyo'' highlights how the bonds of true love and the memories of a beautiful and meaningful shared past can never fade away even when the lovers are physically distant from each other."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Roy |first=Piya |date=August 8, 2026 |title=Memory, longing and undying love find a voice in Na Thaka Priyo from Winkle Twinkle |url=https://t2online.in/screen/bengali/memory--longing-and-undying-love-find-a-voice-in-na-thaka-priyo-from-winkle-twinkle/2007122 |access-date=2026-08-18 |website=t2online.in |language=en}}</ref> The [[music video]] showed a [[family]] navigating through hardships of life, with the song pointing towards the grief, emotions and different [[ideologies]] of the members. With alignment to the theme of the film, the track indicates the pain of absence, the lover's memories, grief and emotional connection.<ref name=":1" />

On April 23, 2026, Mukherji unveiled a new poster for ''Winkle Twinkle'' following his posting of a new poster for ''[[Emperor vs Sarat Chandra]]''. The new film poster showed a [[blood bag]] where green color or blood mixed with red blood, with dense clouds in the background and the presence of [[Howrah Bridge]] and [[Vidyasagar Setu]], the two bridges connecting [[Howrah]] with [[Kolkata]]. On the top, it was written that it was based on Bratya Basu's play. Names of the actors were written on different sides of the new film poster.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Banerjee |first=Swati Das |date=2026-04-23 |title=Srijit Mukherji: কলকাতার বুকে মিশে যাচ্ছে লাল-সবুজ রক্ত! প্রকাশ্যে সৃজিতের নতুন ছবির পোস্টার |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bangla/entertainment/srijit-mukherji-share-winkle-twinkle-movie-official-poster-271776932050311.html |access-date=2026-08-18 |website=Hindustan Times |language=bn}}</ref>

A teaser for the film was released on July 30, 2026, offering glimpses to the upcoming film, a deeply moving [[Drama (film and television)|drama]] centered on conflicts. The [[production companies]] commented: "''Winkle Twinkle'' follows a man who returns to his family after decades of absence, setting off emotional fragmentation and bringing unresolved histories to the surface. While set against a political backdrop, the film is essentially a deeply personal story that explores the passage of time, generational divide, and the burden of one's convictions."<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-07-30 |title=Teaser of Winkle Twinkle hints at a moving tale of family, ideology and time |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bengali/movies/news/teaser-of-winkle-twinkle-hints-at-a-moving-tale-of-family-ideology-and-time/articleshow/132738477.cms |access-date=2026-08-18 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 30, 2026 |title=বাবার আদর্শ বনাম ছেলের রাজনীতি! ঋত্বিক-পরমব্রতর দুর্দান্ত রসায়নে প্রথম ঝলকেই বাজিমাৎ 'উইঙ্কল টুইঙ্কল'-এর |url=https://www.aajkaal.in/entertainment/ritwick-chakraborty-and-parambrata-chattopadhyay-starrer-srijit-mukherji-s-winkle-twinkle-s-teaser-out-507774 |access-date=2026-08-18 |website=[[Aajkaal]] |language=bn-IN}}</ref>

In January 2025, Srijit Mukherji brought the actors and Bratya Basu in a single area and took photos on occasion of the last day of the film's shooting. A narrow lane in [[Dum Dum]], Kolkata was crowded from morning on January 25. Extra activities started from afternoon when Basu arrived in a white van and met the director of the film. Crews from [[Anandabazar Patrika]] arrived on the set. Basu on the day showed optimism when he was sitting on a chair behind a monitor. Mukherji said that he was quite fascinated to work on the play written by Basu. He said that Basu had given him full independence to adapt the drama since he liked Mukherji's works.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Datta |first=Abhinandan |date=January 26, 2025 |title=মঞ্চ থেকে বড় পর্দা, মাঝে ২২ বছর, 'উইঙ্কল টুইঙ্কল'-এর শুটিং দেখে এল আনন্দবাজার অনলাইন |url=https://www.anandabazar.com/entertainment/set-coverage-of-bengali-film-winkle-twinkle-starring-ritwick-chakraborty-parambrata-chatterjee-directed-by-srijit-mukherji-dgtl/cid/1577467 |access-date=August 18, 2026 |work=Anandabazar}}</ref>

Devshankar Halder, an actor in the original play in 2002 commented that he wants to see ''Winkle Twinkle'' be adapted into a film in a positive way. Halder was offered to act in the film by the director, but he denied because of lack of time. He spoke that he wants to see the film in a positive perspective.<ref name=":2" /> Debesh Chattopadhyay entered the shooting unit some time later from another side. Preparation for shooting the interior scenes was made by the unit, after which Mukherji called a lunch break. Among the actors, Anashua Majumdar and Angana Roy were also present inside the unit. Mukherji wanted to pay a homage to the original play of 2002, for which he declared Debesh Chattopadhyay and Rajatava Dutta to be playing special roles for the film.<ref name=":2" /> Parambrata Chatterjee was found in front of a makeup van; his shooting was to start later. According to Chatterjee, ''Winkle Twinkle'' highlights the ideology of the leftists. "Leftists need to have a presence in the not only the state but whole country. This film points towards the reasons as to why they left the government." Ritwick Chakraborty outside the unit commented that though he had seen the original play, he wanted to forget that experience to act better in the film and not conflict with the events he had seen at the original play.<ref name=":2" />

Srijit Mukherji remarked that he decided to make the play into a film after watching it for the first time at the age of 25 [in 2002]. He said that he believed that the film does not lean towards any political party, further saying "This play is like a metaphor to me. So I believe that it is relevant regardless of country or time. Abhinandan Datta of Ananbazar wrote that he was happy to have everyone on set at the last day. Mukherji stated that shooting would continue till midnight, and said that that they had to finish it on time.<ref name=":2" />

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Srijit Mukherji}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Upcoming Indian films]]
[[Category:Upcoming Bengali-language films]]
[[Category:2026 Indian films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Srijit Mukherji]]
[[Category:2020s political drama films]]
[[Category:Friends Communication films]]
[[Category:Films about political movements]]
[[Category:2026 Bengali-language films]]
[[Category:Indian films based on plays]]
[[Category:Films set in 1976]]
[[Category:Films set in 2002]]
[[Category:Films set in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Bengali-language political drama films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kolkata]]
[[Category:Films set in the 1970s]]
[[Category:Films distributed by PVR Inox Pictures]]
[[Category:Films set in the 2000s]]

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|35473512}}

Winkle Twinkle - Revision history

DaisyMahony: added the entry w/ refs