Private Project

The Golden Cage

This is a poignant short film that delves into the rich historical tapestry of Kolkata, India. Set against the backdrop of the city's iconic heritage, the film weaves a narrative that transcends time and evokes a profound sense of nostalgia.

In the heart of Kolkata, in the early winter of 1989, the decaying "Roy Choudhury" mansion stands as a testament to a bygone era of opulence.

Rudro, the younger brother of the final generation, grapples with financial desperation and urges Rajatabho, the eldest, to consider selling the house to salvage their family's future. However, Rajatabho clings to the memories and heritage embodied by the house. Amidst this familial turmoil, Anjali, Rajatabho's wife, finds herself overlooked and unheard. Rudro, in a desperate attempt to sway the family's fate, seeks to enlist Anjali's support, sparking a poignant exploration of the changing gender dynamics within this once-proud family home.

As the day unfolds, a tearful Anjali grinds sleeping pills in her kitchen, reminiscing about the cherished moments scattered throughout the house. Her journey through the house is a reflection of her own life, filled with hidden corners and unfulfilled dreams.

At dusk, standing alone on the terrace with a bottle of sleeping pills in hand. Unexpectedly, Rajatabho appears, and their eyes meet for the first time in months. In this charged moment, he poses a question: Should they sell the house?

Anjali stands at the crossroads of heritage, memories, and her own inner turmoil. The fate of the house, a microcosm of Kolkata's disappearing heritage, hangs in the balance.

"Shonar Khacha" is a heartfelt exploration of the struggle to preserve history, family, and the essence of a city caught in the throes of modernization. It is a tale that resonates not only with Kolkata but also with anyone who cherishes their roots and the timeless treasures that define their identity.

  • Prataya Saha
    Director
    Mein Mehmood, Just Another Day, The Good Wife
  • Prataya Saha
    Writer
    Mein Mehmood, Just Another Day, The Good Wife
  • Red Polka Productions
    Producer
    Just Another Day, The Good Wife
  • Spotlight Tribe Productions
    Producer
  • Anshulika Kapoor
    Key Cast
    "Anjali"
    Just Another Day, Mein Mehmood, The Good Wife
  • Sounak Sen Barat
    Key Cast
    "Rajatabho"
    Mein Mehmood
  • Deboprasad Halder
    Key Cast
    "Rudra"
  • Sanjeev T
    Music Director
    Ghajini, Delhi-6, Raavan, Robot, Rockstar, Saaho
  • Subha Dey
    Cinematography
    The Good Wife
  • Prasanth Ambili
    Editor
  • Abhishekh Saravanan
    Colourist
    Just Another Day, Mein Mehmood
  • Anshulika Kapoor
    Executive Producer
    Mein Mehmood, The Good Wife
  • Romita Singh
    Associate Producer
    Tera Ishq Mera Love
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Family, Period
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 19 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 30, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    2,400 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Bengali
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Prataya Saha

Prataya Saha is an independent filmmaker, Tedx performer, theatre director & photographer based in Bangalore, India and Dubai, UAE.

His films have been selected in 95+ film festivals worldwide, winning 27 awards in 14 countries, including the Oscars, Canadian Screen Award & BAFTA Qualifying festivals.

Most of his films hover around subjects with a strong social message, sometimes the ones that are uncomfortable but important. His film on abuse during pregnancy, "Just Another Day" premiered in New York in 2021 and was specially curated by Indiana University.

He was featured in The Week, India's leading news magazine twice in 2021.

His films are streaming on Disney+Hotstar, MxPlayer, Hungama Play, Viddsee, etc.

Two commercial music videos he directed in 2021 went viral on T-Series with over 14 million views. He has also worked on numerous corporate advertisements.

Over the years his work has been extensively covered and published in most National Newspapers including the Times of India, The Hindu, Deccan Chronicle, Deccan Herald, The New Indian Express, The Telegraph & The Economic Times.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Growing up in Kolkata in the 90s I have seen the city transform from its old colonial slumber after the advent of globalization and the opening of the world markets.

As a result, on one side, it set up a profound momentum for the emergence of a new middle class, the people with the “new money”, as they quickly adapted to the trends of modernization.

On the other hand, there were some who were “left out”. Some people from traditionally wealthy, noble and powerful families, found it very hard to adapt to the new flow of life and business and thus they slowly fell into decay in their palatial homes.

As they stuck themselves in their egos and the memories of their old family glory and lineage the World moved on. Finally, the situation came where they had to sell or rent out their historically significant palatial houses - the only entities that gave them their identities.

Although these buildings represent culture, art and history at a macro level, delving deep down we realize that each of these buildings is a treasure house of very personal human memories, traditions and rituals.

Is this holistic development? How do we identify ourselves if we keep losing our past?