As Mamata established an unquestionable grip over West Bengal politics as the years progressed, the sudden shift of certain Left-leaning film personalities to become incumbent-friendly initially shocked people.
But the intensity gradually declined with a swarm of celebrities rallying behind the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
From festivals to outright political rallies, a large chunk of celebrities including A-listers directly joined the TMC or cheered from behind the curtains.
Tollywood celebrities at TMC's Martyrs' Day rally. Photo: IBNS File
The Great Political U-Turn
Fifteen years later, some are current BJP members while others appear desperate to disown the Mamata tag to avoid the consequences their colleagues allegedly suffered for non-TMC allegiance during the previous regime.
Soon after the May 4 results declared the end of the Mamata regime, several Tollywood celebrities rushed to congratulate the victorious BJP, which has formed its maiden government in the state.
The visual of filmmakers Kaushik Ganguly and Indradeep Dasgupta meeting actor-BJP MLA Rudranil Ghosh within days of the poll result was only an extension of the online congratulatory drive.
(L-R) Kaushik Ganguly, Rudranil Ghosh and Indradeep Dasgupta. Photo: Screen-grab/YouTube video
The hurried wishes not only drew laughter on social media but also prompted netizens to question the morality of the Tollywood world, many of whom had rallied behind the TMC only weeks earlier while allegedly turning a blind eye to political diktats within their own fraternity.
Iman Chakraborty Faces Troll Heat
National Award-winning singer Iman Chakraborty herself claimed she was ready to face trolling when she praised BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya.
In a Facebook post, Iman—who had accompanied Mamata on several occasions just weeks ago—called herself Bhattacharya’s “forever fan”.
Iman Chakraborty singing at Mamata Banerjee's campaign for 2026 Assembly Elections. Photo: Screen-grab/YouTube video
Parambrata Plays the Victim Card, But Audiences Aren't Buying It
Parambrata Chattopadhyay’s emotional explanation about “compromising” with Tollywood’s alleged ban culture for the sake of his newborn child triggered more sarcasm and merciless trolls than sympathy online.
Social media users bayed for his blood, quickly reminding the actor-director that this same Parambrata had enthusiastically campaigned for the TMC during the 2026 Assembly elections—back when speaking against the establishment was apparently less important than standing beside it.
Many also recalled his comfortable stint in the government’s Deucha Pachami Coal Mine committee in 2021, a position he accepted without much visible discomfort before quietly resigning a year later.
But what amused netizens the most was the setting itself.
Parambrata made the remarks at a meeting convened by actor-BJP MLA Rudranil Ghosh—the very same Rudranil whom sections of the industry, including many now preaching freedom and neutrality, had once treated like a political untouchable.
Online users were especially unforgiving because Parambrata himself had earlier taken sharp digs at Rudranil over his BJP affiliation.
Now, the actor appeared to be seeking refuge in a platform led by the same “outcast” colleague many in Tollywood had mocked, isolated or ignored for years.
Parambrata Chattopadhyay (L) at the meeting convened by Rudranil Ghosh (R). Photo: Screen-grab/Mamata Banerjee Facebook (modified by ChatGPT)
For critics, the irony was impossible to miss: yesterday’s politically inconvenient actor had suddenly become today’s industry saviour.
Critics also revived memories of the controversy surrounding Parambrata’s social media remarks during the horrific anti-BJP post-poll violence that erupted in West Bengal after the 2021 Assembly elections.
His comments at the time triggered outrage among sections of the opposition and social media users, with a police complaint reportedly filed against him over the remarks.
For many online critics now mocking his latest statements, the episode reinforced what they describe as Tollywood’s selective morality and politically convenient amnesia.
The ‘Ban Culture’ Debate
For the uninitiated, the Bengali film industry was heavily controlled by TMC leader Swarup Biswas, brother of former West Bengal minister Aroop Biswas.
The phrase “ban culture” is no longer remote in Tollywood’s dictionary. For many, it symbolizes the alleged boycott of artistes who did not align with the TMC’s political line.
One technician broke down during Rudranil Ghosh’s meeting, claiming she had been orally banned by the federation, severely affecting her livelihood.
Swarup Biswas (C) during a protest against federation. Photo: IBNS File
Dev: The Rare Exception?
For those denying the existence of such a culture, Tollywood superstar and three-time TMC MP Dev is often cited as an exception.
A few years ago, Dev made headlines over a public spat with TMC spokesperson and MLA Kunal Ghosh, who had questioned the Ghatal MP for casting veteran actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty in his films.
Unlike many of his colleagues, Dev openly opposed the idea of boycotting actors for their political choices.
He also went ahead with casting 'banned' actor-director Anirban Bhattacharya in his upcoming film alongside Subhashree Ganguly.
Dev and Mithun Chakraborty in Bengali film Projapati. (Photo: Screen-grab/YouTube video)
“Dev was an exception,” said actor and newly elected BJP MLA Roopa Ganguly, who along with her colleagues Papiya Adhikari and Rudranil are trying to bridge divides within the industry.
Silence Of The A-Listers
The growing overlap between films and politics has not only hurt Tollywood’s economics, critics argue, but also dented the credibility of an industry once defined by legends like Uttam Kumar, Soumitra Chatterjee and Suchitra Sen.
“Even some who were never associated with the ruling party are now put into the same bracket and looked at with disgust,” a source aware of industry affairs claimed on condition of anonymity.
Critics also blame fence-sitters—influential stars who, despite being seen as protectors of the industry, allegedly remained silent when actors and television personalities were sidelined for political reasons.
Tollywood celebrities at Durga Puja carnival hosted by Mamata Banerjee. Photo: Mamata Banerjee/Facebook
Locket Chatterjee’s Sharp Message
Speaking to TV9 Bangla, former BJP MP Locket Chatterjee recalled facing similar treatment after joining the BJP in 2015.
“I faced the same treatment when I joined BJP in 2015 as if this party is untouchable. Strangely, not a single artiste came forward to support me,” she said.
Locket also took a swipe at recent reactions from the film fraternity following the regime change.
“I would appeal to them to wait before rushing for U-turns. Unlike TMC, BJP won’t affect their livelihood. There is absolutely no need for such efforts. I hope they don’t lose their dignity by passing sudden and strange remarks,” she added.
Civil Society Under Scanner
The civil society comprising elite intellectuals and personalities such as Aparna Sen and Kaushik Sen may have occasionally criticised the government, but critics argue the intensity of protests witnessed during the Singur-Nandigram movement against the then Left Front government was missing throughout Mamata Banerjee’s tenure.
Mamata Banerjee with filmmaker Goutam Ghose at 31st Kolkata International Film Festival. Photo: IBNS File
The Mamata era, opponents allege, was marked by corruption allegations, lawlessness and excessive politicisation — charges the TMC has consistently denied.
For many in Tollywood, May 4 has emerged not only as a political turning point for Mamata Banerjee but also as a moment of reckoning for Bengal’s film industry.