Ek Je Chhilo Raja is a Bengali-language film based on the true story of a man named Mahendra Kumar Choudhuri. The film is directed by Srijit Mukherji and was released in 2018.
The story begins with Mahendra Kumar Choudhuri (played by Jisshu Sengupta), the middle prince of the Bhawal Estate, who is suffering from syphilis and is taken to Darjeeling for treatment along with his wife Chandrabati (played by Jaya Ahsan), brother-in-law Satya (played by Anirban Bhattacharya) and family doctor Ashwini (played by Aparna Sen). He apparently dies in Darjeeling and is cremated there as well.
However, after 12 years, a Sanyasi (played by Jisshu Sengupta) shows up at the estate, arousing people's curiosity and leading to a rumor that he is the lost prince of the Bikrampur Estate. The Sanyasi has a striking resemblance to Mahendra Kumar Choudhuri and claims to be him. He is welcomed by the family and a legal battle ensues, with the Sanyasi claiming his rightful ownership of the estate.
The film explores the themes of identity, justice and the struggle for power. It showcases the complex relationships within a royal family and their battle for wealth, power, and prestige. The film is a historical drama that delves into the intricacies of the legal system and the unfair treatment of marginalized sections of society.
Ek Je Chhilo Raja received critical acclaim and was hailed as one of the best Bengali films of 2018. It won several awards, including three National Film Awards – Best Actor (Jisshu Sengupta), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Bengali Film. The film's music, cinematography, and direction were also highly praised.
