Devi Chowdhurani is a 1974 Indian Bengali-language epic period action-adventure film produced, cinematographed and directed by Dinen Gupta under the banner of Sanchayita Films. Based on the 1884 novel of the same name by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the film stars Suchitra Sen in the titular role, alongside Ranjit Mallick, Basanta Choudhury and Sumitra Mukherjee in lead roles. It also features Kali Banerjee, Chhaya Devi, Haradhan Bandopadhyay and Jahor Roy in other supporting roles.
Set against the backdrop of Sanyashi rebellion (1763âÂÂ1777), the film depicts on the life of an ordinary woman who transforms into an 18th century bandit, during colonial unrest in Bengal. It is the second screen adaptation of Devi Chowdhurani, and marks Gupta's first collaboration with Mallick. Music of the film is composed by Manabendra Mukhopadhyay, with lyrics penned by Pulak Bandyopadhyay and Shyamal Gupta.
Prafulla, a compassionate and righteous young woman, is mistreated by her in-laws due to her poverty. Through a twist of fate, she acquires a fortune and is guided by the nationalist leader Bhabani Pathak. Under his mentorship, she transforms into a trained bandit queen known as Devi Chaudhurani. She fights colonial British forces to protect villagers and ultimately brings her former oppressors into reconciliation.
The film was produced under the banners of Angel Digital Private Limited and Sanchayita Films.
Devi Chaudhurani was released theatrically in India on 6 September 1974, with a runtime of approximately 141 minutes.
The film is remembered for Suchitra SenâÂÂs portrayal of the title role. Decades later, actress Rituparna Sengupta was cast to reprise the role of Devi Chaudhurani in a new adaptation, drawing comparisons with SenâÂÂs performance. Film scholars have also discussed SenâÂÂs performance in the context of her screen pairings, notably alongside Ranjit Mallick in this film.