She has always been a big fan of adventure films, especially the Indiana Jones ones. She has travelled extensively, gone on jungle safaris and the “craziest of cruises” across Europe. A jungle safari to Ranthambhore  and “awesome” visits to Universal Studios Hollywood and Disney World hold special meaning for Koel Mallick. That’s when she lived “life to the fullest”. 

And now, Koel is set to play Ruby Chatterjee, a hard-working, sincere doctor in an untitled adventure film, with her Hemlock Society and Highway co-star Parambrata Chattopadhyay. 

“Previously people have seen us as a romantic pair. Here there is a hint of a romance but mainly the film is all about adventure. The characters (played by Koel and Param) are not very expressive about their feelings.... I always loved watching adventure films, but I never thought that I would be a part of one. Thankfully, everything fell into place with this one. Initially, my character doesn’t care for any adventure since she is so focused on her work. But then  circumstances make her go on an adventure. Once she gets dragged into a situation, she has to complete the entire journey,” says Koel.  

The film will be directed by Sayantan Ghosal. “I’ll be working with Sayantan for the first time. I really liked his film Jawker Dhan (starring Parambrata). Sayantan is technically sound. He edits, also does graphics work,” adds Koel. 

But why did she decide to sign an adventure film after the box-office success of Ghare and Baire, directed by Mainak Bhaumik? “Many people said that was my best. Ghare and Baire was a romantic comedy where two people bond over music. But I did not want to repeat myself. I wanted to come out of that zone and do something completely different. I did not even want to repeat the genre. I wanted to do a film that would excite me as an actress... I never thought I would do a treasure hunt film. And when this came my way I was excited and surprised,” says Koel.