Over a decade later, the Bikram Singha Bengali movie holds a unique place in Tollywood history.
Did you watch Bikram Singha back in 2012? Do you remember dancing to "Kemne Je Toke" at the local club? Let me know in the comments below!
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Released on May 25, 2012, Bikram Singha: The Lion Is Back stands as a pivotal moment in contemporary Bengali commercial cinema, marking superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee’s high-octane return to "masala" action films. Directed by Rajib Biswas and produced by Eskay Movies, the film is an official remake of the 2006 Telugu blockbuster Vikramarkudu—the same source material for Bollywood's Rowdy Rathore. Plot Overview: A Tale of Two Faces
The narrative follows a classic "double role" structure featuring two men who look identical but lead vastly different lives:
Gupi: A small-time, happy-go-lucky conman. His life takes a chaotic turn when a young girl, Osmita, claims he is her father, and he finds himself targeted by a gang of criminals for reasons he doesn't understand.
ACP Bikram Singha Roy: Gupi’s doppelgänger and a legendary, no-nonsense police officer in the town of Debgarh. Bikram Singha is a symbol of hope for the townspeople who are terrorized by a ruthless MLA and local mafia.
After a series of life-threatening events, Gupi discovers the truth about his look-alike and eventually steps into the shoes of the fallen officer to finish his battle against the criminal underworld. Cast and Production Highlights
Bikram Singha: The Lion Is Back is a 2012 Bengali action-thriller starring Prosenjit Chatterjee in a dual role. The story is an official remake of the Telugu blockbuster Vikramarkudu (which was also remade in Hindi as Rowdy Rathore).
The story follows two lookalikes: Goutam, a small-time thief, and Bikram Singha, a brave and honest police officer. Part 1: The Small-Time Thief
Goutam is a carefree conman living in Kolkata who spends his days pulling off clever heists. His life takes an unexpected turn when he falls in love with a woman named Madhu. However, Goutam's world is flipped upside down when a young girl arrives and claims he is her father. Although he initially denies it, he eventually develops a bond with the girl and decides to protect her. Part 2: The Legend of Bikram Singha
Goutam eventually discovers the truth about the girl’s real father: Bikram Singha, a fearless Deputy Commissioner of Police. Bikram was a nightmare for criminals, especially the ruthless local warlord Bawani Singh and his son in the village of Devgarh.
Bikram had waged a one-man war against Bawani’s reign of terror, but during a brutal confrontation, he was severely injured. While he survived, the injury left him physically weakened, and he died shortly after meeting Goutam, entrusting his daughter’s safety to him. Part 3: The Resurrection
After Bikram’s death, the criminals believe the "Lion" is gone forever. Goutam, moved by Bikram’s bravery and the plight of the villagers, decides to take his place. He steps into the role of the fearless police officer, using his street-smart skills and Bikram's reputation to strike fear back into the hearts of Bawani Singh’s gang. Bikram Singha Bengali Movie
In a high-octane finale, Goutam—posing as the revived Bikram Singha—annihilates the villains, restores peace to Devgarh, and finally honors the legacy of the man he once looked like. If you'd like, I can:
Tell you more about Prosenjit Chatterjee's performance in this dual role. Compare it to the Hindi version, Rowdy Rathore.
Give you a list of other Bengali action movies from that era.
Bikram Singha: The Royal Warrior - A Bengali Movie Review
Introduction
Bikram Singha is a Bengali historical action film directed by Rajiv Kumar Biswas and produced by Ashi Dua. The movie is based on the life of Raja Bikram Singha, a legendary king of Manipur, who ruled the kingdom from 1835 to 1848. The film stars Prosenjit Chatterjee in the lead role of Raja Bikram Singha, while Priyanka Bose plays the role of his love interest, Taramati.
Plot
The movie revolves around the life of Raja Bikram Singha, who fought against the British East India Company to protect his kingdom and people. The story begins with the king's early life, showcasing his bravery, wisdom, and compassion. As he grows up, he faces numerous challenges, including the threat of British colonization. The king's determination and courage inspire his people to join him in the fight against the British.
Key Highlights
Cast and Crew
Reception
The movie received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, with praise for its historical accuracy, action sequences, and performances. The film was also a commercial success, running successfully in theaters across West Bengal.
Conclusion
Bikram Singha is a must-watch for history buffs and fans of Bengali cinema. The movie offers a thrilling and inspiring account of Raja Bikram Singha's life, highlighting his courage, wisdom, and love for his people. With its rich cultural context, intense action sequences, and beautiful romance, this film is sure to leave you entertained and informed.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Recommendation: If you're interested in historical dramas or Bengali cinema, Bikram Singha is a great choice. Even if you're not familiar with the history of Manipur, the film's engaging storyline and strong performances make it an enjoyable watch.
Bikram Singha: The Lion Is Back is a 2012 Indian Bengali-language action drama film directed by Rajib Biswas and starring Prosenjit Chatterjee in a double role. The film is an official remake of the 2006 Telugu blockbuster Vikramarkudu, which was also remade in Hindi as Rowdy Rathore. Movie Details Release Date: June 1, 2012 Director: Rajib Biswas Lead Cast: Prosenjit Chatterjee as ACP Bikram Singha and Gupi Richa Gangopadhyay as Madhumita
Supporting Cast: Supriyo Dutta, Partha Sarathi Chakraborty, Surajit Sen, and Locket Chatterjee. Music: Composed by Sri Pritam and Bapi Lahiri. Plot Overview The story revolves around two lookalikes: Gupi: A small-time thief who is charming and carefree.
ACP Bikram Singha: A fearless and honest police officer who is on a mission to eliminate a ruthless local criminal named Bauji in a village called Devgarh.
After ACP Bikram Singha is severely injured in an attack, Gupi is forced to step into the officer's shoes to protect Singha’s daughter and complete the mission of cleaning up the village. The film follows Gupi's transformation from a petty criminal into a hero as he takes on the powerful villains. Production and Reception
Remake Heritage: The film follows the successful template of the original Telugu film directed by S.S. Rajamouli. It emphasizes high-octane action, "mass" dialogues, and dramatic musical sequences.
Lead Performance: This film marked a significant "commercial" comeback for Prosenjit Chatterjee, showcasing his versatility by playing both a rugged, serious cop and a lighthearted, comedic thief.
Soundtrack: The music, featuring contributions from the legendary Bapi Lahiri, was popular in West Bengal, particularly the high-energy dance tracks. Where to Watch
The film is frequently available for streaming in parts or full on platforms like Dailymotion and various Bengali movie channels on YouTube.
No discussion of the Bikram Singha Bengali movie is complete without acknowledging the A-list team behind it.
The movie’s success owes a huge debt to its perfectly chosen ensemble. Over a decade later, the Bikram Singha Bengali
Bikram Singha is a quintessential festival release — loud, energetic, and made for Prosenjit’s fanbase. If you enjoy over-the-top Bengali action comedies with a star-driven performance, it’s a fun one-time watch. However, those looking for a tight, realistic cop drama should look elsewhere.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (2.5–3/5)
Recommended for: Fans of Prosenjit Chatterjee, mass entertainers, and Tollywood action-comedies.
Blog Title: Bikram Singha (2012): Revisiting the Prosenjit Chatterjee Action Extravaganza
Subtitle: Was this commercial potboiler a hit or a miss?
When you think of quintessential Bengali commercial cinema in the early 2010s, one name that stands out is Bikram Singha: The Lion Is Back. Directed by Rajiv Kumar Biswas, this 2012 action-drama was designed to be a festive blockbuster, capitalizing on the massive star power of Prosenjit Chatterjee.
But does the film hold up a decade later? Let’s break down the roar of this "Lion."
| Actor | Role | Description | |-------|------|-------------| | Prosenjit Chatterjee | Bikram Singha | The protagonist – a strong, rustic, and righteous village hero. | | Richa Gangopadhyay | Radhika | The female lead – a city-bred, independent woman who falls for Bikram. | | Rajatava Dutta | Main Antagonist | A powerful and corrupt local tycoon. | | Laboni Sarkar | Bikram's Sister | Emotional support and family anchor. | | Biswajit Chakraborty | Supporting Role | Village elder / comic relief. | | Supriyo Dutta | Side Villain | Antagonist's henchman. | | Kharaj Mukherjee | Comic Role | Provides light-hearted moments. |
Q1: Is Bikram Singha a remake? No, it is an original screenplay. However, it draws inspiration from a template popularized by Telugu and Tamil action films.
Q2: Is there a Bikram Singha 2? As of 2025, no sequel has been officially announced, though rumors have surfaced multiple times. Given the ending, a sequel remains a possibility.
Q3: Who sang the title track? The powerful vocals for "Bikram Singha" were provided by Nakash Aziz, adding a fiery energy to the intro.
Q4: What is the runtime of the film? The film runs for approximately 2 hours and 31 minutes (151 minutes).
Interestingly, the Bikram Singha Bengali movie faced minor backlash regarding its source material. The film is an unofficial adaptation of the 2006 Telugu blockbuster Vikramarkudu (which was later remade in Hindi as Rowdy Rathore starring Akshay Kumar). While the Bengali film credit the "story" to the South writer, many purists argued that the screenplay was a scene-by-scene lift. Raj Chakraborty, however, maintained that the Bengali adaptation had significant cultural tweaks to suit the local audience.
