Pratim D. Gupta’s upcoming film Ranna Baati, set to release in the theatres on November 7, features the much-loved on-screen duo Ritwick Chakraborty and Sohini Sarkar in lead roles. While Ritwick plays a father in a fix, Sohini comes to his rescue as a cooking coach. A t2 chat...
What’s been your favourite film together so far?
Sohini: Bibaho Diaries definitely takes the top spot for me. But I also enjoyed our chemistry of thakurpo and boudi in Byomkesh (laughs).
Ritwick: Yes, that chemistry was fun to enact.
Sohini: We did a film called Ananta, too, which was quite different. We shot the outdoor portions in Sikkim, and it ended up in several festivals.
What do you like about working together?
Sohini: When I started shooting for Byomkesh in 2015 in Benaras, I felt really lucky that Abirda (Chatterjee) and Ritwickda had instantly included me in their gossip group despite being seniors! Abirda would work out a lot every day, while Ritwickda and I would just relax on the veranda, playfully asking when he’d be done. In another shoot, Ritwickda and I, along with some members of the crew, ventured into the Gorumara jungle and stayed there. Beyond shooting, we may not always spend time with each other, but it’s fun to work together and it is true that Ritwickda always answers when I call.
Ritwick: Some say I pick up calls, while others say I don’t. I’ve honestly lost track of that. (Laughs) Sohini and I have been working together for a long time. When it comes to working together in films, it’s essential to go beyond right and wrong and just collaborate. The vibe may click or not. I haven’t seen Abir in ages, but I’m sure any time we spend together will be wonderful. The work is hectic, so the little time we get to relax, people like Sohini and Abir just make it easy, and are great to work with, too.
Ritwick, why did you choose to do Ranna Baati with Pratim, after acting in Maacher Jhol by the same director?
Ritwick: When I first heard about this film, I had my doubts, too. However, this film has a distinct narrative, and with the premise centred around food, it felt very personal to Pratim. This film is his subject. After discussing the storyline, I realised we could end up with another remarkable film like Maacher Jhol but nothing related to it.
Sohini, this is your first film with Pratim. How has your experience been working with him?
Sohini: Working with Pratimda was a delight. I admire his films, including Shaheb Bibi Golaam and Maacher Jhol. Each film carries a personal essence. Pratimda is calm and has a clear vision for what he wants, yet he remains open-minded. I’ve always expressed my appreciation for his work. After a long wait, he finally cast me in a role I’ve never played before. I have usually played the girl next door or a tribal woman in most of my films, except in Srikanto, where I was a bit more glam.
An intriguing aspect of my character in this film is that it serves as a bridge in the narrative, which is particularly exciting for any actor. For me, it can be challenging to deliver lines exactly as written, but in Ranna Baati, some dialogues needed to be delivered verbatim. Thankfully, Pratimda understands my approach. So, while working on our series Karma Korma, he encouraged me to find words I felt comfortable saying. It’s a rare quality in a director to offer such flexibility.
What was the food scene on the set like?
Ritwick: Food plays a pivotal role in this film; it’s practically a main character. Pratim has a deep passion for food and enjoys sharing stories about it. For me, it’s hard to appreciate a food story without something to eat, but Pratim has a way of captivating with his storytelling, bringing in fascinating references.
Sohini: He really knows every dish out there! Whether it’s a Bengali classic or something from Greece, he never fails to identify! (laughs)
Ritwick: We had plenty of food on set for our scenes, which was great because we got to taste it all! Overall, the food scene on set was delightful. However, we usually bring our own meals. Given the nature of our work, it’s essential that we stick to what we’re comfortable eating.
Sohini: If we indulge too much, it can make us drowsy during a scene right after lunch.
Sohini, you play a cooking coach with a secret, while Ritwick, you’re a single dad trying to reconnect with your daughter through cooking. What part of your character did you enjoy exploring the most?
Ritwick: My character is particularly focused on building a strong bond with his teenage daughter — something he hasn’t managed over the years. He sets a high bar for himself and chooses to connect through food. Instead of opting for an easier way, like going on a trip, he deliberately places himself in a challenging situation. This anticipation of whether he will succeed or fail adds a profound layer to his character, and I found that to be incredibly compelling.
Sohini: I can’t share too much about my character just yet, but she’s very distinct — glamorous and self-aware, almost as if she’s always on a livestream. Her demeanour and posture reflect that. Yet, beneath the surface, there’s a journey she has embarked on, perhaps to distract from something or to keep a secret. What that secret is, the film will unveil. I enjoyed delving into her complexities because some of the assumptions we make about her might not hold true at all.
Ritwick, since you are a father with a child approaching his teenage years, did that give you insight into the intricacies of your character?
Ritwick: I’ve always felt a strong bond with my son. Aparajita and I prioritise spending quality time with him. While I might not relate to every situation personally, understanding a character’s traits definitely enhances my ability to portray them. I’ve played a father even before I became one, but now my perspective has certainly evolved.
Sohini, can you connect with the persona of a teacher?
Sohini: I enjoy learning and then sharing that knowledge. If I grasp something and someone wants to learn it from me, I do my best to teach in my own way, without altering what I’ve learned.
Do you both have any fond memories of your father’s cooking?
Ritwick: My dad would only cook when my mom wasn’t home. He made delicious meals, quite different from my mother’s style. He would go all out in the kitchen, turning it into a battleground, to the point where he often lost his appetite! (Laughs)
Sohini: My dad also cooked rarely, but he took great care in whatever he made, even if it was just mashed potatoes! He would always taste his food. When my mom cooked, she’d sometimes rush, leaving a bit of peel on the vegetable or make an omelette with a slightly undercooked side.
How significant do you think food is in fostering family connections based on your experience?
Ritwick: It’s fascinating how a meal can create bonds and help maintain them. Although our home meals are prepared by cooks, I don’t really establish a personal connection with them. However, certain dishes bring back fond memories of my mother and aunts. They were exceptional bakers during the 1980s and 1990s when baking was not as easy as it is now. When I think about cooking that resonates with me, my mother’s recipes instantly come to mind.
Sohini: I feel a strong bond with the person who cooks in my home. I appreciate that she knows exactly how I like my food — whether it’s the right amount of salt or sugar. It’s rare to find someone who remembers those specific preferences. Speaking of connections, my childhood friend Nivedita’s mother would put a lot of care into feeding us. I often think of that experience. It’s amazing how those relationships are tied to food.
Do we see a romance blossoming between your characters beyond the culinary adventures in the film?
Ritwick: Well, Sohini is part of the film for a reason, not just to teach me how to cook! Something is definitely brewing, but let’s leave that as a mystery for now.
The film explores the theme of second chances. Do you believe in second chances in life?
Ritwick: I strongly believe in second chances.
Sohini: Do you always believe in them?
Ritwick: Absolutely! I’m quite the optimist. We only get one life to live, but within that life, there can be numerous second chances.
Sohini: I’m generally hopeful too, even if I go through phases of feeling hopeless. Those moments eventually pass, and I bounce back with renewed hope.
Ritwick: My close friends are aware of my hopeful side, but many people often misinterpret me as cynical. That’s not how I truly am.
Sohini: People really do have endless opportunities to reshape their lives.