Kottha is a dark, emotionally charged film that examines the brutal realities of violence against women and the long shadow such trauma casts. Inspired by real stories and extensive research, the film follows a young mother’s journey through both physical captivity and the quieter, suffocating confines imposed by society.
The film explores survival, resilience, and the quiet courage that shapes recovery. Starring Shreema Bhattacherjee, Joey Debroy, Srotyaswini Chatterjee and Hrishie Raj, Kottha invites the audience to piece together the protagonist’s inner world as she fights for freedom, dignity, and her daughter. A t2 chat with director Sayan Basu Chowdhury...
What initially inspired you to tell this particular story about survival and recovery?
The core of the film was inspired by real instances of physical violence and harassment against women — married and unmarried — and how such trauma can alter and scar a person for life.
What kind of research did you do to ensure the portrayal of trauma and recovery was authentic?
We studied numerous newspaper reports, journals, and even interviews and notes from molesters. Understanding their perspectives, as disturbing as it was, helped shape the script with accuracy and depth.
How did you guide the lead actor portraying the mother through such a layered emotional experience?
Shreema Bhattacherjee, who plays the mother, aligned perfectly with the character of a young, struggling parent. We conducted several workshops and extensive script-reading sessions. Shreema also studied select films in depth to understand emotional progression and the subtle shifts required for the role. Joey Debroy naturally embodied the role of a brave yet vulnerable cop. Both Shreema and Joey are exceptionally talented actors.
Were there any specific exercises or conversations to help the cast understand trauma survivors?
Everyone was thoroughly briefed about their roles beforehand. The cast did their own preparation as well, so no additional exercises were required.
The protagonist is a mother dealing with the aftermath of prolonged captivity. How did you shape her emotional journey?
Her journey unfolds in two parts. The first shows her literal captivity. The second depicts the societal captivity a survivor faces after her ordeal becomes known. Throughout, we witness her coping while holding on to her daughter as her lifeline.
What were the most important aspects of her character you wanted to highlight?
Survival, the will to live, the longing for freedom, courage, determination, and the unbreakable strength of a mother.
How did you approach showing her trauma subtly through behaviour, relationships, and daily routines?
The script emphasises her reactions rather than exposition. Her transformation appears gradually — small, subtle changes that accumulate until the climax, where everything comes to a head.
The film deals with psychological complexity — how did you decide what to show and what to leave unspoken?
That was the most challenging part. We focused on what not to show. Carefully crafted reactions and dialogues from both the protagonist and antagonist allow the audience to piece together the inner complexities without excessive explicit portrayal.
Did you use changes in lighting, colour palette, or sound design to mirror her psychological state?
Yes. The film is shot in low light with a dark, muted palette, intentionally drained of colour. Several sequences use complete silence to amplify the horror and internal turmoil.