Riding high on the success of her latest release Rakkhosh, Susmita Chatterjee is receiving widespread appreciation for her performance and screen presence. The Bangladeshi film has sparked conversations for both its commercial appeal and its emotionally intense narrative. In this t2 chat, Susmita opens up about the overwhelming audience response, and the journey of bringing her character to life...
How has the audience response been since the film’s release?
The response has been absolutely superb. Almost all the shows have been houseful, and the reviews have largely been very positive. There has been a small percentage of criticism — some viewers felt certain parts were too violent. Overall, the reception has been overwhelmingly encouraging, even now in the second week.
I did a few hall visits, and it was an incredible experience. The audience response was very emotional and organic. Watching the film with them made me realise how deeply they were connecting with the story and dialogue. People came up to me, spoke to me, appreciated my work — it felt very special and overwhelming.
What kind of compliments stood out to you the most?
I received a lot of compliments for my acting — people said it was “extraordinary” and that I completely owned the screen. While I often get compliments for being glamorous, this time I was especially happy that people appreciated my performance and felt I was perfect for the character.
What’s your take on the criticism?
I understand where the criticism is coming from, but I personally don’t see it that way. The story shows a man standing by a woman after a traumatic event and supporting her. It’s a complex narrative, and I think it’s important to see all sides of it.
Your character is central to the emotional conflict of Rakkhosh. How would you describe her?
My character is very special to me. She is both smart and innocent. She starts off as an extrovert but gradually transforms into a complete introvert. There are so many things happening in her life all at once, which makes her journey deeply layered and emotional. My character starts off as a carefree, extroverted college student. But as the story progresses, she undergoes a massive transformation — emotionally and psychologically— especially after a traumatic incident. Her journey is layered, shifting from bold and playful to vulnerable and introverted.
What drew you to this role?
It was my intuition, along with the strength and importance of the character in the film, that drew me towards it.
How did you prepare for a character that exists within such an intense, volatile love story?
All credit goes to the director, Hridoy. He is brilliant. He guided me — and every actor — through each and every step. He made everything clear and supported me throughout the process. The preparation was tough, but I loved every moment of it.
How did you and your co-star Siam Ahmed build the chemistry?
Siam is a beautiful soul — a very good actor, helpful and extremely supportive. We’ve been friends since the beginning of Rakkhosh’s journey. We discussed everything beforehand and made sure we were comfortable with each other so we could portray our characters convincingly on screen. It’s all about vibes and connection — good friends understand each other.
What did Siam say about your performance?
Siam has been very supportive throughout. He said I’m a brilliant actor and very comfortable to work with. In fact, not just him — everyone on set, including the director and crew, appreciated how I transformed into the character once the camera started rolling.
Do you see Rakkhosh as a typical commercial entertainer, or does it try to say something deeper about human emotions?
Rakkhosh portrays the kind of love story many girls dream of in their lives. It’s a beautiful blend of love, drama, action, and emotion. It’s truly a power-packed film.
How was your shooting experience in Sri Lanka?
We had an amazing time in Sri Lanka. The highlight for me was shooting with a seaplane — that was incredibly special. I don’t think many heroines in Calcutta or Bangladesh have had that opportunity. I’m truly grateful to Real Energy Production — Shaheen and Azeem — for making it happen. The entire team made me feel at home with so much love and care.
What was your go-to comfort food while shooting in Bangladesh?
I’m a foodie, so I loved exploring local cuisine — Kacchi Biryani, ilish polao, and sweets were my absolute favourites!
How different was the working environment in Bangladesh?
Everywhere, artistes work with passion, dedication, sincerity, and honesty. We share that love for cinema. Honestly, I didn’t feel much difference during the shoot. Creatively, it was a fulfilling experience, and I learned a lot.
Would you like to do more commercial films in the future?
Definitely. I want to explore both commercial and content-driven cinema. I enjoy commercial films — the song, dance, and scale — but I also want strong characters that contribute meaningfully to the story.
Are you open to working beyond Bengal and Bangladesh?
Absolutely. I don’t want to limit myself. I’d love to work more in Bengali cinema, Bangladesh, South Indian films, and Bollywood. I’m already getting some good offers from Bangladesh, so let’s see how things unfold.