Bengali actor Jeet recently opened up about why he chose not to release his latest film Keu Bole Biplobi Keu Bole Dakat across India, and how the ongoing student protests across the country made him realise that the spirit of revolution is still alive. The film, which is based on the life of freedom fighter Ananta Singh, hit theatres in West Bengal on August 14, 2026, just in time for Independence Day. But Jeet’s comments about the protests have caught the attention of many, as he drew a direct line between the revolutionary struggles of the past and what young Indians are fighting for today.
The actor, who gained nationwide recognition with the web series Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, said that the current student movement made him see the relevance of Ananta Singh’s story in a new light. He believes that every generation faces its own battles, and the fight for justice never truly ends.
Jeet Explains Why His Film Stays Local, Not Pan-India
Even though Jeet has tasted success in the Hindi market with Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, he made a deliberate choice to keep his new film regional. The actor-producer said that the story of Ananta Singh needs a local connection to truly work.
“The necessity of the story is to have more of a local connection, so if it performs well here, then we might think about a wider release. Also, the data of the last few years say that all the films which were released as pan-India haven’t performed that well. The South films aren’t able to penetrate the North. The impact of those films isn’t as wide. So, the concept of pan-India films is dissolving somewhere.”
Jeet pointed out that the trend of pan-Indian films is fading, and he prefers to focus on telling stories that resonate with the audience they are made for. His decision reflects a growing shift in the industry, where filmmakers are prioritising authentic storytelling over chasing a national market.
Playing Ananta Singh: Nine Avatars of a Revolutionary
Getting into the skin of Ananta Singh was no small task for Jeet. The film shows nine different phases of the revolutionary’s life, and the actor had to undergo extensive preparation to bring each version to life. He read Singh’s own book, Keu Bole Biplobi, Keu Bole Dakat, to understand the man behind the legend.
“It’s a journey that keeps unfolding. I never knew the depth of his life until this story came to me. He’s not a one-dimensional character; every phase of his life adds a new perspective. As an actor, opportunities to portray someone with so many shades are rare.”
The actor also revealed that the prosthetics for the different looks took nearly two to three hours to apply each day. Despite the challenges, Jeet said he enjoyed the process and did not take inspiration from earlier portrayals of Ananta Singh on screen. The character was previously played by Maninder Singh in Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (2010) and by Jaideep Ahlawat in Chittagong (2012). Jeet made it clear that he wanted a fresh slate for his version.
“Wo kirdaar the par kahani kisi aur ki thi. The material we had, we could have made it in two parts. So, we wanted a fresh slate for it. I have seen those films, but haven’t used them as inspiration.”
Student Protests Made Him See the Relevance of Revolution
The recent student protests across India, which gained momentum over the NEET-UG 2026 question paper leak and demands for education reform, made Jeet reflect on the struggles of the past. He said that the fight for freedom in the 1900s and the protests happening today are not so different.
“Ananta’s revolution is relevant even today and every generation can relate to it kyunki revolution kabhi khatam nahin hota hai. Ab hum apne Ghar mein ladai Kar rahe hain, pehle baahar walon ke gulam the. Ab naam ke liye gulaam nahin hain, par kahin na kahin aaj ek alag ladayi hai. Wo itihaas hai, hamari buniyaad hai. Agar wo na hota to aaj hum yahaan na hote.”
In simple words, Jeet said that Indians were once slaves to outsiders, but today the fight is within the country. The revolution has not ended; it has just taken a new form. He called history the foundation of the nation and said that without the sacrifices of the past, the country would not be where it is today.
Jeet’s Advice to the Youth: Take the Hard Road
The actor also shared a piece of advice for young people who are raising their voices for change. He encouraged them to stay strong and not look for easy ways out.
“Bada kuch haasil karne ke liye hamesha kathin raasta lena padta hai, kabhi sahej raaste se bada kuch nahin hota.”
Jeet’s words reflect his belief that real success and meaningful change come only through struggle and determination. His message resonated with many who see the student protests as a crucial moment for the country’s future.
Jeet Had Earlier Supported NEET Student Protests
This is not the first time Jeet has spoken in support of student movements. In July 2026, the actor had voiced his support for students protesting against the alleged NEET-UG 2026 question paper leak. He took to social media to express his concern and called for accountability and reform.
“The NEET issue is no longer just about an examination—it is about the hopes, dreams, and trust of millions of students and their families. Every deserving student has the right to a fair, transparent, and credible system. Those responsible must be held accountable, and meaningful reforms must ensure that such incidents are never repeated.”
He also made it clear that the issue should not be used for political gain.
“Our students deserve answers, justice, and, above all, the confidence that their hard work will always be rewarded fairly.”
Jeet appealed for the matter to be treated as an opportunity for “responsibility, accountability and lasting reform—not political point-scoring”.
The Film’s Release and Critical Reception
Keu Bole Biplobi Keu Bole Dakat was released on August 14, 2026, in West Bengal. The film, directed by Pathikrit Basu, has received positive reviews for its ambitious storytelling and Jeet’s performance. Critics have praised the film for not taking the easy way out and for presenting the complex life of Ananta Singh without giving him a clean verdict.
The movie runs for 2 hours and 24 minutes and falls under the drama and history genres. It also features Tota Roy Chowdhury and Kaushik Sen in key roles.
Why Jeet Isn’t Rushing Into Another Hindi Project
Despite the success of Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, Jeet has not announced any new Hindi project yet. When asked about it, he said he believes in destiny and does not chase opportunities.
“I am grateful for all the appreciation it got from everywhere but I believe in destiny and what comes to me is written. I never even chased Khakee, it just got made into a Bengal chapter and it came to me. So whatever is written for me in future, will reach me.”
His relaxed approach to his career shows that he is in no hurry and prefers to let things unfold naturally.
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The Bigger Picture: Students and the Fight for Change
The student protests that Jeet referred to began over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and demands for education reform. The movement, led by groups like the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), saw students gathering at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and other cities across the country. The protests eventually led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on July 25, 2026.
Jeet’s comments come at a time when the youth are being seen as a powerful force for change. His connection between the revolutionary past and the present-day protests has struck a chord with many who see the student movement as a continuation of India’s long fight for justice.
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