The Telegraph Online Edugraph coverage of Debating Matters 2022

Calcuttans love films. But what Calcuttans love even more is discussing, make that debating, films. Combining the two passions is the XXIV Father Joris Memorial Nihil Ultra Trophy Debate organised by the St. Xavier’s College Calcutta Alumni Association, in association with The Telegraph.

The debate will be held on April 12. The motion? “In the opinion of the House, Bengali films of recent times have failed both commercially and intellectually.”

“Calcuttans love talking about films and there are a lot of questions being raised about whether the numbers Bengali films put up are true. So, we thought why not get people from the industry to debate the matter,” said Firdausal Hasan, honorary secretary of SXCCAA.

The other reason for the choice of topic is to provide a break from the intense political discussions around the country.

“We usually bring in politicians to debate on things pertaining to the nation. But this year we thought of sticking closer to home,” added Hasan.

The speakers for the motion are actor Dhritiman Chaterji, cardiac surgeon Kunal Sarkar, academician Ananya Chatterjee and director Ashoke Viswanathan.

Taking up the verbal battle against them will be directors Kamaleswar Mukherjee and Goutam Ghose and actor-exhibitor Arijit Dutta.

The discussion will be moderated by actor-director-singer Anjan Dutt.

The debate will be held at the college auditorium from 4.30pm on Saturday.