Abir Chatterjee discusses the challenges and appeal of working on Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee's blockbuster Durga Puja film Raktabeej

Abir Chatterjee discusses the difficulties and appeal of working on Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee's blockbuster Durga Puja film Raktabeej.

You've received releases back-to-back for Fatafati, Biye Bibhrat, and now Raktabeej. Do you believe you have reached a purple period?

I have, Abir Chatterjee. I appreciate my producers and directors for offering me new personas, says Abir (smiles). Similar to how Raktabeej and Fatafati are from the same production company. Both movies fall under radically different genres from a storytelling and narrative perspective. There is no resemblance between Bachaspati, the guy in Fatafati, and Pankaj Sinha, the role I play in Raktabeej. My responsibility increases the minute the creators entrust me with completely new personalities. Being an actor excites you because you can experiment with your art, learn new things, and shatter your own stereotypes. Additionally, Biye Bibhrat was a radical departure from the movies I usually do. It was a comedic romance. I look forward to taking on more challenges like these as an actor.

What about Raktabeej made you decide to accept?

Abir Chatterjee: Let's talk about the script first. I finally received a script that, in my opinion, was almost flawless. Actually, there was nothing in the script that I wanted to alter. With Shibu-da (Shiboprosad Mukherjee) and Nandita-di (Roy), this is my first movie together. I've collaborated with them as a producer-actor, but now that I'm a director-actor, I can cross this off my list.

A narrative told by Raktabeej is based on actual events. A movie like this is crucial to comprehending and facing the evils around us. We must instill the virtues within us if we want to combat them. But throughout time, we've observed that some people have succumbed to hatred. I currently believe that tales like Raktabeej should be repeated.

You assume the position of an IPS agent. In Raktabeej, what can the audience anticipate from Abir Chatterjee?

Pankaj Sinha is a no-nonsense person, according to Abir Chatterjee. He is a Delhi native. He is the leader of a productive team. Pankaj and his team have a proven track record of debunking conspiracies and puzzles. Pankaj and his colleagues are called in whenever there is a possibility of a terrorist attack or another incident of this nature. This particular occasion, the President of India is in West Bengal for his family's Durga Puja, placing a tremendous amount of duty on Pankaj and his crew to keep the President safe.

I can speak for myself when I say that while filming Avrodh Season 2, I had the opportunity to interact with some of these real-life heroes because my character was based on one of these officers. He introduced me to members of the intelligence community and other organizations of this nature. Their level of devotion, their capacity for observation, and the sacrifices they make are astounding. To ensure the safety of our lives, they face every conceivable hazard. I must act more responsibly when I portray a role inspired by a real hero. If viewing me in Raktabeej increases the audience's admiration for the real-life heroes, that will undoubtedly be a source of fulfillment.

How difficult was it to execute the action scenes?

It was tough, says Abir Chatterjee. This tale is based on actual occurrences. The action and pursuit scenes in this movie are highly authentic and true to life. The margin of error is 0 for Sanjukta's team and Pankaj's team (played by Mimi Chakraborty). Not only the Indian President, but also the thousands of people that gather for Durga Puja need to be secured.

I'd like to thank Manohar Varma for creating the battle scenes in a way that was both difficult and exhilarating. We did get hurt, but that happens while filming challenging situations. In Raktabeej, Abir Chatterjee will indeed appear in a different avatar.

For the first time, you're paired with Mimi.

Abir Chatterjee: I've known Mimi when she was a college student and just getting started in the television industry. She has been with me the entire time. I have witnessed her highs and lows. I have witnessed her rise to fame in Bengal. I've always been pleased with Mimi's efforts and successes. Beyond the world of film, we have a special bond that allows us to confide in one another about our darkest secrets. We consult one another for advice. We both agreed that Raktabeej was the ideal movie to endorse because the wait had been worthwhile. She continues to work extremely hard.

Abir takes his profession more seriously than he does himself, Victor Banerjee once said to us.

(Laughs) Abir Chatterjee Yes, my efforts have earned me the affection and respect I enjoy now. My work has made me known to a huge global audience. People who can accomplish what they enjoy doing and support themselves from it are quite uncommon. Whether I'm a part of the industry or not, I'm very passionate about film. I believe that the very least I can do is to approach my work with seriousness, diligence, and honesty.

Describe your experience working with Victor Banerjee.

Victor Banerjee is a superstar, says Abir Chatterjee. He has a really impressive body of work. In a Satyajit Ray movie, he played the lead role. He has portrayed the main character in notable Hollywood movies. He has starred in a number of hugely popular masala Bengali films. There aren't many actors in India with such a broad range of roles. He kind of made a comeback with Raktabeej. Even after accomplishing so much, he still craves quality work. We never felt as though we were working with someone so experienced. He was taking pleasure in the procedure, responding to adjustments, considering suggestions, and conversing with fresh directors and actors. It involved learning new things. In his presence, I experienced a kind of warmth that was rather overwhelming.

Moreover, was this your first time collaborating with Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee?

I've known them for a very long time, says Abir Chatterjee. They know their craft well and are meticulous planners. They are clear about what they expect from their actors. Shibu-da, who is a fantastic actor himself, is aware of the actor's pulse, and Nandita-di has an eye for detail. Working with them was thrilling and easy-going.

What follows Raktabeej?

Abir Chatterjee: Additional movies are in the works. I'm attempting to do new things with the themes and roles I play in various movies.

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