In his upcoming film Bibi Payra, director Arjunn Dutta shifts his lens from urban narratives to the lives of suburban women, crafting a story that is both intimate and quietly powerful. Featuring Paoli Dam and Swastika Mukherjee, the film — set to release in theatres on April 10 — explores themes of freedom, friendship, and self-discovery through the lives of two housewives who dare to step beyond societal boundaries. At its core, Bibi Payra is a meditation on freedom in its most intimate, unspoken forms. A t2 chat...

What drew you to the idea of two housewives breaking away from routine and seeking freedom?

The idea of housewives breaking free isn't novel, but Bibi Payra's beauty lies in its authentic portrayal of freedom's many shades. I've made films with strong, empowered women, often set in urban landscapes. But Jhuma and Shiuli's story is different — they're suburban women navigating societal expectations and personal desires. For them, empowerment isn't a grand gesture; it's finding solace in small rebellions. Jhuma's silent resilience and Shiuli's quiet determination show us that freedom means different things to different women. It's about finding your voice, no matter how quiet it may be. That's what drew me to their story — capturing the unspoken struggles and triumphs of women often overlooked.

Shiuli and Jhuma are layered characters. How did you develop their arcs?

Shiuli and Jhuma's characters are a reflection of the women I've known and observed. Growing up, my summer vacations spent with distant relatives in suburban areas left a lasting impression, the way they lived, laughed, and navigated their worlds with a quiet strength. My co-writer Ashirbad and I tapped into those memories, infusing our own experiences and observations.

We've been fortunate to have strong women in our lives — our grandmothers and mothers being pivotal influences. They shaped our perspective, and that shows in Jhuma and Shiuli's layers. On the surface, they're ordinary women, but beneath lies a rich tapestry of emotions, struggles, and triumphs. Their stories are a testament to the resilience of women, where humour and empowerment are intertwined. We aimed to capture the unsaid, the unseen, and bring it to life in Bibi Payra.

How did Swastika Mukherjee and Paoli Dam bring their own interpretations to these roles?

Paoli Dam and Swastika Mukherjee breathed life into Jhuma and Shiuli. Paoli's passion and meticulousness were evident from the start. She dove deep into the script, asking questions that shaped our approach. Jhuma's complexity, her wackiness and pensiveness were a departure for Paoli, but she nailed it. Her discipline on set, particularly with angles and lighting, was impressive. I recall the dance number shoot; her childlike excitement was infectious, she was beaming with joy, and it translated beautifully on screen. Swastika, my hat-trick partner, brings spontaneity and magic to the table. Shiuli's layers, the simple housewife with a hidden volcano of emotions, suited her perfectly. Her fearlessness on screen is admirable. She wasn't concerned about looking a certain way; she went for the emotion. Both Paoli and Swastika were a joy to work with. Their performances are a treat.

Their bond seems central to the narrative. Would you say the film is as much about friendship as it is about freedom?

Bibi Payra is about survival, but it's also about the freedom we find in unexpected places. For Jhuma and Shiuli, that freedom comes through their unlikely bond. Initially, they're like two wary animals, circling each other, Shiuli's curiosity clashes with Jhuma's walls. But as they navigate their struggles, something beautiful unfolds.

Their friendship isn't just a subplot; it's the heartbeat of the film. They become each other's lifeline, finding strength in their differences. Jhuma's silence complements Shiuli's outspokenness, and together, they forge a path towards freedom – from their past, their circumstances, their fears. What moves me is how they fight for each other, putting aside their own battles. In a world where everyone's consumed by their own crises, Jhuma and Shiuli's bond is a beacon of hope. It's a reminder that friendship can be a powerful catalyst for liberation. Their journey makes us believe in the transformative power of human connection.

The contrasting settings, from suburban homes to more adventurous spaces, seem significant. How did you use visual language to reflect the transformation of the characters?

The visual language of Bibi Payra was a deliberate choice to reflect the characters' inner transformations. We moved from the claustrophobic, predictable suburban homes to more unpredictable, adventurous spaces — mirroring Jhuma and Shiuli's journey from confinement to liberation. Our DOP, Supraatim Bhhol, brilliantly captured the nuances of each location. We shot in multiple locations to create a single, cohesive setting. The tone's a mix of glossy and raw, reflecting the characters' complexities. Poulami Gupta's costumes added depth, evolving with the characters' journeys. And Mainak's score? It's the heartbeat of the film, elevating every moment.

Bibi Payra's a tribute to 1990s Bollywood, and I wanted to celebrate the OG Queens — Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit, and Juhi Chawla. For a recent photoshoot, I teamed up with designer Anusree Malhotra, who's dressed me before, and shared this crazy idea with her. She agreed and created two looks inspired by these divas. The first look features a black shirt with Sridevi's iconic Naagin motifs. The second is a white silk shirt with Madhuri's Hum Apke Hain Kaun and Juhi's Darr looks hand-painted on it. It even has Sridevi's Lamhe lyrics printed on it.

Do you think Bibi Payra reflects a changing mindset in Bengali cinema regarding female agency?

Bibi Payra's a reflection of changing times in Bengali cinema – we're seeing more complex, flawed female characters like Jhuma and Shiuli. They're not 'ideal' women; they're real, messy, and unapologetic. They're breaking free from societal expectations, and that's what's refreshing. These characters aren't limited by traditional norms; they're multidimensional, with vices and virtues. They're brave, risk-takers, and unapologetic about their choices. It's not about their social strata; it's about their mindset.

To me, Jhuma and Shiuli are far more brave and complete risk-takers than someone living in a plush apartment who's highly qualified. They're unapologetic about who they are, and that's what's liberating. They're modern women, and their stories are a testament to the evolving narrative in Bengali cinema. We're moving away from stereotypes and embracing complexity and that's progress.

What kind of conversations do you hope the film will spark?

Bibi Payra is an entertaining film with layered characters, intense moments, and humour — it's a ride that'll resonate differently with everyone. Some might just soak it in, live with the characters, and enjoy the journey. Others might peel back the layers, analysing every nuance, and that's okay too. For me, it's about creating a connection – with the characters, with the story, and with the audience. I want people to laugh, cry, and reflect. I want them to see themselves in Jhuma and Shiuli's shoes, and maybe, just maybe, it'll spark a conversation about life, relationships, and being human.

Cinema's about touching hearts, and I'm hoping Bibi Payra does just that. It's a film that'll stay with you, linger in your thoughts, and maybe even change your perspective a little. That's the magic of storytelling; it's a gift, and I'm grateful to share it with everyone.

How do the male characters in Bibi Payra reflect the societal expectations and limitations imposed on women?

They're not villains, but rather products of a patriarchal mindset that's been ingrained in our culture. What's interesting is that Bibi Payra doesn't portray them as one-dimensional 'bad guys'. They're flawed, just like the women in the story. They're trying to navigate their own expectations and desires, which sometimes clash with the women's. It's a commentary on how societal norms can limit both men and women, and how we all need to break free from these expectations. The film shows that it's not about blaming the men, but about understanding the system we're all part of. By portraying these complex male characters, we hope to spark conversations about how we can do better as a society.

What core message do you want audiences to take away?

Bibi Payra's core message is simple yet profound: liberation and respect for all, regardless of gender or societal status. I've always believed in storytelling that speaks to the heart, without preaching. This film's about the unsaid, the unspoken struggles of women like Jhuma and Shiuli – not extraordinary, just ordinary women navigating extraordinary circumstances. Ultimately, Bibi Payra is about empathy, seeing the person beyond labels, beyond gender or status. It's about recognising our shared humanity, our shared struggles. If it sparks conversations and changes perspectives, that's the liberation I'm hoping for.