eOne Films International has acquired foreign sales rights to Philip Cox’s hit Sundance documentary and will introduce to buyers in Berlin.
“The Bengali Detective has every element we love in a documentary: a view into a fascinating world, a captivating lead subject, humour, warmth and suspense,” eOne Films International evp Charlotte Mickie told Screen. “The movie gives us an astonishing window into the reality of Kolkata today and its wonderfully exuberant and resilient people.”
Set in chaotic Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), The Bengali Detective follows the life of private eye Rajesh Ji, who investigates cases ranging from counterfeit hair products to a brutal triple murder. When Rajesh is not sleuthing, he dreams of competing on a televised national talent show. To that end, he and his ragtag detective gang form a dance troupe and rehearse for their big audition.
Fox Searchlight acquired worldwide remake rights to the film at Sundance last week following the world premiere in Park City.
Mickie has a solid track record of choosing award-winning independent films, including current titles such as David Michod’s Animal Kingdom (which stars Oscar-nominee Jacki Weaver), Denis Villeneuve’s Canadian Oscar nominee Incendies and Lucy Walker’s Waste Land.
Waste Land executive producer Angus Aynsley assumes that role as well on The Bengali Detective, along with Karol Martesko-Fenster, Gernot Schaffler, Thomas Brunner and Jon Thompson. Producers are Giovanna Stopponi, Annie Sundberg and Himesh Kar.
Cox’s previous film We Are the Indians won awards at the Buenos Aires and the Amazonas film festivals.
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