Acclaimed Indian filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee and his magnum opus Binodiini Ekti Natir Upakhyan emerged as the standout winner at the South Asian International Film Festival of Florida (SAIFFF), sweeping three top honors: Best Director, Best Actress, and Audience Choice Best Film.

The Bengali biopic, centered on Bengal’s legendary theatre icon Binodini Dasi, captivated a packed audience at the NCG Theatre in Tampa, with tickets selling out within ten minutes. The film, lauded for its immersive storytelling and meticulous recreation of a bygone era, drew standing ovations and widespread acclaim from both the jury and festival attendees.

Renowned Bengali actress Rukmini Maitra clinched the Best Actress Award for her compelling portrayal of Binodini Dasi, while Ram Kamal Mukherjee received the Best Director Award, marking his first international honor for this film. The Audience Choice Best Film Award was presented to producers Prateek Chakravorty (Pramod Films) and Dev Adhikari (Dev Entertainment Ventures), recognizing their visionary backing of the project.

Indian Director Ram Kamal Mukherjee’s Binodiini Triumphs at the South Asian International Film Festival of Florida (SAIFFF) 938393

Indian Director Ram Kamal Mukherjee’s Binodiini Triumphs at the South Asian International Film Festival of Florida (SAIFFF) 938394

Indian Director Ram Kamal Mukherjee’s Binodiini Triumphs at the South Asian International Film Festival of Florida (SAIFFF) 938395

Indian Director Ram Kamal Mukherjee’s Binodiini Triumphs at the South Asian International Film Festival of Florida (SAIFFF) 938397

Bollywood actor and former Mr. India and Mr. International Aryan Vaid accepted the Best Director Award on Mukherjee’s behalf. “I am thrilled to see Ram Kamal’s Bengali debut garner such prestigious recognition. Having known him since his days at Stardust magazine and witnessing his National Award-winning success with Ek Duaa, this moment is well deserved. I was also delighted to see my co-actor Rahul Bose feature in the film. Congratulations to Ram, Rukmini, and the entire team,” said Vaid in a press statement.

Indian Director Ram Kamal Mukherjee’s Binodiini Triumphs at the South Asian International Film Festival of Florida (SAIFFF) 938396

Expressing heartfelt gratitude in an official statement to US media, Ram Kamal Mukherjee remarked, “Winning the Best Director Award at SAIFFF is profoundly special. Seeing Rukmini Maitra’s hard work acknowledged on an international stage is immensely gratifying. I am also elated for my producers, Prateek and Dev, whose faith and investment made this challenging project a reality.”

Produced by Prateek Chakravorty (Pramod Films) and Dev Adhikari (Dev Entertainment Ventures) in association with Assorted Motion Pictures, Binodiini Ekti Natir Upakhyan premiered in India on January 23, 2025, with the SAIFFF screening marking its US debut.