Breathtaking greenery surrounded by azure waters under a shining blue sky concealing ruins of a 1,000-odd years — the Andamans are a tourist’s dream and a photographer’s delight. The Islands are present in my directorial debut Hrid Majharey, which releases on July 11, for the entire second half. How the archipelago contributed to the journey of the protagonist, played by Abir Chatterjee, forms an integral part of the narrative. Abhijit and Debjani (Abir and Raima Sen) needed to relocate somewhere totally cut-off from the mainland, and yet was close to home. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands seemed the perfect choice.

Raima and Abir in Havelock Island

Hold my hand: They are holding hands, but not really out of love! Both of them were scared of shooting on the tree trunk that was about 15ft above water level. After a sumptuous lunch of masala crabmeat and pan-fried prawns, we got ready to rehearse this scene which needed Abir to recite a line of poetry, followed by Raima giving him a peck on the lips and then the two tumbling down into the water with a splash. While we were rehearsing, a crowd began swelling behind us. Seeing them, Abir said, “You have done enough number of smooches in Calcutta, Ranjan. Not anymore!” I didn’t relent, though. A lot of argument and counter-argument later, Raima kissed his forehead. When shooting the scene, on the monitor I suddenly noticed that Abir and Raima were holding each other’s hands. I went up to the two to say it was quite a good improvisation, but Raima blurted out that Abir only held on to her because he was afraid of falling into the water!

Beach bums: The three — Abir, Raima and Indrasish — on the Munda Pahar beach. As the shot was being readied, they had wandered off into the waters as usual, and I went click click, hurrying them to get back to work.

Look up: This was Abir, Raima and Indrasish’s first visit to the Cellular Jail. Sirshada (Ray, director of photography) was setting up the camera when they decided to look around.

Fun munch: Raima, Abir and Indrasish at an AFC — Andaman Fried Chicken — outlet, another hot spot in the heart of Port Blair. The name is “inspired” by KFC! We had gone there after wrapping up for the day. Abir and Raima lost no time in attacking the plate.

Au revoir: The last day of our shoot in Ross Island. By then my actors had got tired of me and my camera. So when I wanted to catch them together in a single frame, they cold-shouldered me and how! (Sigh) I came back to the shore but the trio went for a boat ride. And all of a sudden, there was a splash. Alarmed, we were wondering what had happened when Raima shouted out that Indrasish had taken off his shirt and jumped into the water! Just for fun.