In a recent turn of events within Kolkata’s television industry, director Srijit Roy has found himself at the center of a controversy as technicians have ceased working on his set since February 3, 2025. This unexpected boycott has garnered significant attention, leading to a wave of support from fellow industry professionals. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between directors and technician federations in the region.

Srijit Roy, a prominent figure in Kolkata’s television scene, was in the midst of preparing for his upcoming serial when technicians associated with the Art Setting Guild abruptly stopped reporting to work. The sudden absence of these essential crew members brought production to an immediate halt. Roy expressed his bewilderment and distress over the situation, stating that until February 2, everything had been progressing smoothly. However, from February 3 onward, not a single technician appeared on set, leaving the future of the project in jeopardy.

The root cause of the boycott appears to be linked to comments allegedly made by Roy against Swarup Biswas, the president of the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India and brother of West Bengal minister Arup Biswas. Roy, however, has vehemently denied making any derogatory remarks against Swarup Biswas. He emphasized his positive relationship with both the technicians and Biswas, suggesting that misinformation might be fueling the unrest. Roy has called for open dialogue to resolve the issue and has even appealed to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to intervene, given her history of mediating in the entertainment industry’s disputes.

In response to the boycott, several notable directors and actors have rallied behind Roy. Figures such as Parambrata Chatterjee, Sudeshna Roy, Raj Chakraborty, and Anirban Chakraborty visited the studio to express their support. They highlighted the detrimental impact of such disputes on the entertainment industry and advocated for immediate dialogue to bridge any trust deficits. Parambrata Chatterjee emphasized the need for communication, stating that all parties are working towards the betterment of the industry. Sudeshna Roy pointed out that this isn’t an isolated incident, citing previous instances where directors like Kaushik Ganguly and Joydip Roy faced similar challenges due to disagreements with technician guilds.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of conflicts between directors and technician federations in West Bengal. In July 2024, director Rahool Mukherjee faced a similar boycott, leading to significant disruptions in his film’s production. The Welfare Association of Television Producers (WATP) even halted serial shoots in solidarity, emphasizing the importance of creative freedom and the director’s role as the “captain of the ship.” These recurring disputes highlight the need for clearer communication and understanding between directors and technician federations to ensure the smooth functioning of the industry.

The boycott against Srijit Roy serves as a stark reminder of the fragile dynamics within the entertainment industry. While the exact reasons behind the technicians’ actions remain unclear, the incident underscores the importance of open dialogue and mutual respect between all stakeholders. As the industry watches closely, many hope for a swift resolution that prioritizes the collective well-being and creative aspirations of Kolkata’s vibrant television community.

Key Highlights:

• Director Srijit Roy’s television serial production halted as technicians boycott his set since February 3, 2025.
• Allegations suggest the boycott stems from purported comments against Federation president Swarup Biswas, which Roy denies.
• Industry figures, including directors and actors, have shown solidarity with Roy, calling for open dialogue to resolve the issue.
• This incident reflects ongoing tensions between directors and technician federations in West Bengal’s entertainment industry.