Jaatishwar

A Gujarati-born, Calcutta-raised man who loves Mahamaya but struggles with Bengali. He travels to Portugal to study colonial history and slowly refines his Bengali with Bodhi, aiming to sing with authentic lyrics and without an accent. Rohit’s journey blends romantic pursuit with a quest for linguistic and artistic mastery across two eras.

A radio jockey in the present timeline who captivates Rohit with her passion for music. She harbors a profound personal history and is implied to be the reincarnation of Soudamini. Her relationship with Rohit grows as Bandemonium approaches, culminating in a moment of emotional revelation.

A mysterious figure in the present who claims to be the reincarnation of Anthony and is haunted by visions from a previous life. He is taken to a psychiatrist to address his increasingly intense experiences, and his unraveling becomes central to the film’s twist ending.

A formidable 19th-century kavigyaal who competes with Anthony in the local folk-poetry battles. He embodies the rivalries and passions of the era’s musical dueling culture and helps define Anthony’s rise as a master of Bengali verse.

The woman kaviyaal who Anthony defeats in early performances, representing the female voice within the traditional kavigaan tradition. She stands as a key figure in the era’s artistic competition and helps illustrate the social dynamics of the time.

A young Bengali widow saved from sati by Anthony; she becomes his wife in the 19th century. Her death under violent village resistance drives Anthony’s heartbreak and fuels the tragedy that echoes across time.

A notable 19th-century kaviyaal who competes in the same circles as Anthony, adding to the competitive and collaborative atmosphere of Calcutta’s folk-poetry scene.

A senior rival in the 19th-century kavigaan circuit. His clashes with Anthony underscore the era’s social and artistic tensions and help shape the autobiographical arc of Anthony’s character.

The celebrated 19th-century Bengali poet whose life and work anchor the historical chapters. His pursuit of Bengali language and his dedication to art drive both the era’s music culture and the film’s interwoven narrative about memory and belonging.