Some characters don’t just stay in films or series; they linger in public memory. Animesh Dutta is one such character. Ever since Proloy first introduced audiences to this sharp, relentless special crime branch officer, played with quiet intensity by Saswata Chatterjee, viewers have held on to him as one of contemporary cinema’s most compelling lawmen. Directed by Raj Chakraborty, Abar Proloy took the familiar cop drama and plunged it into the dark, dangerous underbelly of the Sundarbans, where human trafficking was not just a crime but a thriving ecosystem of fear, power, and silence. Abar Proloy expanded that world further, cementing Animesh Dutta as a character who doesn’t merely chase criminals; he dismantles their entire network, with his own style.
Now, with Abar Proloy 2, the hunt is back on. This time, the terrain is different, the crimes more urban and the danger closer to home. Gold dacoits terrorising jewellery shops and residential houses have turned the city into a battlefield, and Animesh Dutta returns, not alone, but with a fresh, dynamic team ready to take on a new kind of enemy.
As the makers wrapped up shooting for this action-packed second season, t2 got exclusive access to one of the show’s most crucial set visits. What unfolded on a cold winter afternoon in North Calcutta was a masterclass in filmmaking, teamwork, nostalgia and controlled chaos.
A New Season, A New Threat
While Abar Proloy thrived on the haunting stillness of the Sundarbans and the terrifying scale of human trafficking, Abar Proloy 2 shifts gears. The crimes are faster, louder and embedded deep within the city’s crowded neighbourhoods. Gold dacoity is organised crime at its most ruthless. Jewellery shops looted in minutes, homes broken into under the cover of darkness, and a network of criminals who vanish as easily as they strike. For Animesh Dutta, this means rethinking strategy, rebuilding his team, and adapting to a new urban battleground where danger hides in plain sight. Director Raj Chakraborty’s vision for Abar Proloy 2 is sharper, tighter and more kinetic. The show promises high-octane action, layered investigations, and characters who are as human as they are heroic. And nowhere was this vision clearer than on the set itself.
The Location
Tucked away quietly on a humble footpath in Machuabazar in North Calcutta, stands Shrimani House, an architectural relic that has silently witnessed over three centuries of history. More than 300 years old, this heritage house has played many roles in Bengali cinema. On this particular afternoon, Shrimani House was cast as a dilapidated boarding house — a suspected hideout for a dangerous gang. Its vintage courtyard, stained glass windows, peeling walls and old paintings hanging solemnly from timeworn frames made it the perfect backdrop for tension, suspicion and suspense. From the outside, the house looked deceptively quiet. But the giveaway was unmistakable — giant set lights standing tall on the narrow footpath, cables snaking across the ground, and production vans parked discreetly nearby. The sun was shining bright outside, yet the atmosphere inside promised something far more intense.
As we entered through the elongated doorway of Shrimani House, it felt like stepping back in time. The transition from the noisy street to the hushed interior was almost cinematic. Inside, the courtyard was bathed in an artificial chill, carefully controlled by a large film cloth stretched overhead to block out natural sunlight. This manipulation of light transformed the space entirely. What was once a sunlit courtyard now carried a moody, subdued tone, perfect for the scene being shot that day.
Crew members moved quietly, adjusting lights, checking camera angles and rehearsing movements. The set was alive, yet disciplined, a delicate balance that defines professional filmmaking.
The Direction
Director Raj Chakraborty entered the courtyard with the calm authority of someone who knows exactly what he wants. Before sitting down for lunch, he gathered his team and offered a few last-minute insights, small but crucial adjustments that only a director deeply invested in his craft would notice. There was no shouting, no dramatic gestures. Just clear instructions, quiet confidence and complete control over the creative chaos unfolding around him.
“Every scene we shoot has to carry purpose, and the one we are filming today is extremely important for the narrative. It’s not about loud action or dramatic confrontation, but about building tension. Animesh Dutta and his team are entering a space where danger could be hiding behind any door. I wanted the house to feel like a character in itself — old, silent and slightly unsettling. The pauses, the silences, the way the team moves together… all of that was carefully designed to make the audience feel that something is about to happen, even if nothing explodes on screen at that moment.
“Coming back with a second season of Abar Proloy felt inevitable. After season one, the audience response was overwhelming. People talked about the action; they connected with Animesh Dutta as a character and wanted to see him again in a new battle. That kind of love from viewers gives you a responsibility to return with something bigger, sharper, and more intense. Abar Proloy 2 is very much about evolution. Working with Apuda is always a pleasure. The way he brings every character to life with such power and impact is truly amazing. As Animesh Dutta, he commands the screen effortlessly, sometimes without even saying a word. That kind of presence can’t be taught; it comes from years of experience and deep understanding of performance,” said Raj.
This season, what excited him even more was placing Animesh alongside a new team. With fresh recruits like Sauraseni Maitra’s and Rohaan Bhattacharjee’s characters, the dynamic changes completely. “They bring youth, energy, and a different rhythm to the investigation, which allows Animesh’s leadership to shine even brighter. Animesh is the same no-nonsense officer, but the world around him has changed. This time, the threat is within the city — gold dacoits who strike fast and disappear faster. He also comes back with a new team, each member bringing a different energy, strength, and perspective. Their dynamics, combined with high-stakes action and investigation, drive the season forward. At its heart, the series remains about justice, teamwork and the relentless pursuit of crime, no matter how deeply it is rooted in the city,” said Raj.
Lunch Time
Right at lunchtime, the mood on set softened. The entire cast and crew gathered at the backyard of Shrimani House for a wholesome Bengali meal. Actors, technicians, assistants, and production staff sat together, sharing food, laughter, and stories. It was a scene in itself. Saswata Chatterjee chatted casually with crew members, instantly lightening the atmosphere. The seriousness of the crime drama melted away, replaced by warmth and camaraderie. Once lunch wrapped up, the actors stepped out into the winter sun for a brief break, soaking in the warmth, exchanging quick chats, before heading back inside to transform once again into their on-screen personas.
The Scene
The sequence being shot that afternoon was a pivotal one. Animesh Dutta and his team arrive at an old boarding house after receiving intelligence that a gang involved in the gold dacoity racket may be hiding there. The tension is immediate. This is not a dramatic chase scene or an explosive confrontation; it’s quieter, more unnerving. The team searches the house, moving cautiously through its narrow corridors and staircases. A door is forcefully pushed open. Questions are asked. Faces are scanned for fear, guilt, or defiance. The house itself becomes a character, its silence almost accusatory. It’s the kind of scene that relies heavily on atmosphere, performance, and timing, and Raj Chakraborty was determined to get every beat right.
The Characters
Addressed as “Apuda” on the set, Saswata Chatterjee slips into Animesh Dutta with remarkable ease, as if the character never truly left him. For this particular scene, Animesh sports a sharp, understated look, a navy blue zip-top jacket paired with blue jeans. The outfit reflects his personality: practical, no-nonsense and effortlessly authoritative. His Ray-Ban sunglasses add to the aura, reinforcing his image as a cop who doesn’t need to raise his voice to command respect. Every movement, every glance from Saswata carries weight. Whether he’s leading his team up a flight of stairs or standing silently before a closed door, Animesh Dutta exudes quiet menace, the kind criminals fear the most.
“We received so much love for Abar Proloy Season 1 that Raj really had no option but to come back with Season 2. When a character and a story are embraced so wholeheartedly by the audience, it creates a certain responsibility. As actors and filmmakers, we owe it to the viewers to take that journey forward, and that’s exactly what we’ve tried to do this time,” said Saswata.
He adds that the excitement on set has been palpable from day one. “This season brings a completely new story, new visuals, and definitely a lot more action. There’s also a different sound to the series, both literally and emotionally. The scale has gone up, the pace is sharper, and the world of Animesh Dutta feels larger and more layered. I must congratulate Raj for casting such young and talented actors. They are doing a brilliant job, and their commitment shows in every scene. Working with them has been refreshing; they bring sincerity, hunger, and a certain honesty that adds depth to the team dynamics on screen. We filmed an action sequence on the busy roads of Naihati, right in front of Boro Maa’s temple. It was an intense experience and would never have been possible without the immense support of the local people there. Their cooperation made all the difference,” added Saswata.
Talking about the location, he added, “I’ve shot in this house before with Parambrata for Tiki Taka. It’s a very special place, spacious, atmospheric and capable of becoming a character in every film. Stepping into it again felt familiar, yet completely new.”
Sauraseni Maitra brings a refreshing blend of strength and elegance to the team, adding both grit and poise. Dressed in a quilted black jacket paired with a brown T-shirt and a clean ponytail, her character is practical, alert, unafraid and hungry to prove herself. There’s no unnecessary glamour here. Her presence reinforces the reality of modern policing, where women officers are integral, capable and fearless. On set, Sauraseni’s focus and discipline were evident, matching the intensity of the scene effortlessly. “It’s always a delight to work under the direction of Raj Chakraborty. He is extremely capable, and Abar Proloy itself is such a strong franchise. Being a part of this sequel honestly feels special, and I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”
Talking about her role, Sauraseni explains, “My character’s name is Domoyanti. She is a sub-inspector posted at Barrackpore Thana and comes from a lineage of police officers — her father was in the force, her brother too. There’s a very interesting backstory to her journey, but I think audiences should discover that while watching the show. What I can say is that Domoyanti represents many women even today. She’s often been treated like a delicate ‘daisy’ — not trusted with fieldwork, pushed into paperwork, or even asked to make tea for colleagues instead of being given responsibility.” That struggle is very much a part of her arc.
“This is my second project with Rajda, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed both experiences. We’ve been shooting for a long time now, and it truly feels like we’ve become a family. Coming to set every day is something we look forward to. Working with Apuda is an absolute delight; he’s a ball of energy, incredibly funny, and an institution. I learn something new from him every single day,” added Sauraseni.
Rohaan Bhattacharjee embodies the young, headstrong member of the team. His sporty zipper jacket, collared T-shirt, blue jeans and chunky watch perfectly capture his character’s personality — energetic, impulsive, yet deeply committed. Rohaan’s physicality stood out during the scene, especially as the team moved through the house. His character brings urgency and fire, often acting as the first to push forward when danger looms. “I was genuinely very excited to work with Raj Chakraborty again. When Rajda is telling a story, you know there’s going to be scale, intensity, and some truly incredible action. His vision is very clear, and as an actor, that really helps — you know exactly what kind of energy and commitment the role demands. This season is special because everything feels bigger and sharper. The action is more intense, the situations are more challenging, and the stakes are much higher. Being part of Animesh Dutta’s team automatically raises the bar, and that pushes you to perform better.”
Rohaan also highlights the atmosphere on set. “There’s a great sense of teamwork. We’re constantly feeding off each other’s energy, whether it’s during rehearsals or between takes. Working with seniors like Apuda is inspiring — he sets the tone just by being present. Overall, it’s been a demanding but incredibly rewarding experience, and I think the audience is really going to feel that on screen.”
Kharaj Mukherjee’s character is the emotional glue of the team. Dressed in a striped polo T-shirt, half jacket, trousers, and big nerdy glasses, he represents the quintessential Bengali cop, grounded, witty and immensely capable. While he adds moments of lightness to the narrative, his character never undermines the seriousness of the mission. On set, Kharaj’s impeccable timing, both comic and dramatic, added layers to the scene. “Abar Proloy 2 has been a wonderful experience for me. Raj knows exactly what he wants from every character, and that clarity makes an actor’s job much easier. My character brings a certain Bengali flavour to the unit — someone rooted, relatable, and human. While there may be moments of lightness, the responsibility is always serious, because these are officers dealing with dangerous criminals,” said Kharaj Mukherjee.
The Action
When the cameras finally rolled, the house fell into complete silence. “Action,” Raj Chakraborty called out, and the transformation was immediate. The team climbed the narrow staircase to the first storey, boots echoing softly against old steps. The tension built slowly. A door was pushed open. Dialogue exchanged. Silence followed.
This sequence was shot multiple times. Each retake refined a movement, adjusted a pause, sharpened an expression. Raj watched closely from behind the monitors, unwavering in his pursuit of perfection. And when he finally nodded in satisfaction, it was clear that the scene had landed exactly as intended.
Rooted in realism
Beyond the action and suspense, Abar Proloy 2 feels deeply rooted in realism. The city is an active participant in the story. Old houses, narrow lanes, crowded neighbourhoods, and layered histories add texture to the narrative. Raj Chakraborty’s direction ensures that the series never loses its emotional core. It’s not just about catching criminals; it’s about understanding the cost of justice, on the city, on the system, and on the people who choose to stand against chaos.
As the shoot wrapped for the day inside Shrimani House, the magic slowly dissolved. Walking out into the cold North Calcutta evening, one thing was certain — Abar Proloy 2 is a confident evolution of a beloved narrative, powered by strong performances, thoughtful direction, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling. And if this one afternoon on set was any indication, Animesh Dutta’s return is set to leave an even deeper mark.
