In Khela Jawkhon, which releases on December 2, Mimi Chakraborty plays Urmi, who wakes up from a coma and tries to find out the truth about her son. “She feels that her son is alive while the people around her say that he is not. A person confides in her that the others are lying, and so the fight continues for her. She struggles with her own memory,” says Mimi about her character in the film directed by Arindam Sil.
A candid chat..
Khela Jawkhon was announced almost four years ago. The film went through many changes... then the pandemic happened and it is releasing now. How has the journey been for you?
I remember, every time the script came to me there were changes in the cast! At times I had felt in the past that it won’t take off. But Arindamda believed in me, believed in the film, and had told me that the film will be led by me. He had made a promise and he kept it.
Do you remember what you were thinking when you had signed on the film then?
I was happy. It’s a big thing when the story of a Bengali film revolves around the female protagonist. That too a thriller. And it’s not a song-and-dance film. It was a very big achievement in itself for me as an actor. During the time the film wasn’t taking off I would wonder about its fate. And you know, nothing in life comes easily to me. I think it’s all there in my stars! To achieve anything, I have to really work hard.
Also, the film took a toll on me. After shooting for certain scenes, I had to talk to my therapist. I had lost Chickoo (pet) before the shoot of the film... and there were scenes of my character losing a son. I could feel the void. The pain was raw. The location, The Belgadia Palace in Odisha, was therapy in itself. It was beautiful. During the break I would soak in the sights and sounds of the place. The forest is beautiful there.
How did you prep for the character?
I was fully prepared... since it is a thriller, I can’t reveal much right now. It is a really difficult character, I play someone who is coming out of a coma. So there’s that mental weakness in your mind and body... you are struggling. I would meditate, work out a lot.
Usually we see you in strong, powerful roles. Urmi is a powerful character too but the trailer also sheds light on a vulnerable side... Urmi is also confused, anxious...
Yes, I have never played a character like her who is also vulnerable... once the trailer dropped, I was flooded with the positive reactions. People have loved what they saw and they are really excited and looking forward to watching the film. Fans have come up with their own theories about the thriller.
Mimi in Khela Jawkhon, releasing on December 2
There’s a scene in the trailer where a car crashes into you. It looks so real. How did you pull it off?
I told them that I’ll do the scene myself... one needs to know the technicalities... and the person behind the wheel is a professional.
Why did you do the stunt?
I like this... I like to take on these challenges. And I had the confidence... I knew that I could do it. Also, I get this adrenaline rush while doing such stunts. I had trained in martial arts for this film.
You have done your debut Bollywood film, which is awaiting release. We hear that you are venturing into the national web space and will start shooting for a big-scale web series for a national OTT soon. Is it true?
Yes! I am doing it. But that’s all I can say right now.
What are your thoughts on the box office and how films have fared across India this year?
It has become unpredictable. We have seen Bolly biggies flopping and films from the South striking gold at the box office. Small-budget films have also become blockbusters. For Khela Jawkhon, I would like to say that as an artiste I am satisfied with what I have done. I would like to show it to my family. I am really proud of Khela Jawkhon. The great part is that I could play all these diverse characters in the last few years. Mini is very close to me. I received a lot of appreciation for what I did... my performance was talked-about.
You have always been selective about the films you do. But we also see certain actors who are on a signing spree. How do you see this trend of actors doing multiple projects?
It depends on the person, and his or her perspective. I like to wait it out. I’ll probably do two films in a year. Also, I have been through the phase. In the past I have done four films in a year where three films were blockbusters. All the songs were superhits. I have done that. Now I want to work for myself. I feel fortunate that I could create my own image and my own brand. Being selective and opinionated doesn’t go well with a lot of people. I work in a film now when I get the right space, and I feel happy about the film. And everyone knows that I am totally committed and devoted to my work. I give my everything to it. Work-wise this was a good year for me.
You have completed more than a decade in the film industry. Do you feel the time is right now for you to take the next step, to produce a film?
I don’t know... I have too much on my plate right now. If something happens, it’ll happen. It might happen in the future... not right now. If someone comes up with a good deal, I might think about it.
You have always been close to your roots. Do you remember the first house that you had moved into when you had arrived in Kolkata?
It was really special. The house was in a lane in Ashokenagar, and it’ll always remain close to my heart since my journey in the film industry started from that house... it had witnessed my struggle during that time. And now, that place falls in my constituency!
Picture: Rashbehari Das
Styling: Sumit Sinha
Make-up: Sourab Mitra
Hair: Moumita