After back-to-back action films and series, director Abhirup Ghosh is returning with yet another adrenaline-heavy project, Mrigaya 1.5, a spin-off of his 2025 action film Mrigaya: The Hunt. This time, Mrigaya 1.5 will be headlined by Ritwick Chakraborty and Koushani Mukherjee, bringing a fresh pairing into Abhirup Ghosh’s gritty, fast-paced world of crime and cops.
Ritwick Chakraborty is set to reprise his role as the sharp, quirky and quick-witted OC Debanjan Dutta, a character who instantly stood out in the original film for being more than just the standard “angry cop” template. Debanjan Dutta, with his mix of sarcasm, street intelligence and unpredictable instincts, became one of the most memorable faces of Mrigaya. And now, before the franchise moves towards its bigger, second part with an ensemble cast, Abhirup Ghosh seems keen on doing something interesting — taking a step back to tell the audience where Debanjan Dutta really comes from.
That is where Mrigaya 1.5 finds its purpose. While the makers are calling it a spin-off, it isn’t expected to be a complete detour from the main storyline. Instead, the film is likely to serve as a bridge — a narrative connector that provides the audience with deeper context, character history, and emotional groundwork before the franchise expands further. In other words, Mrigaya 1.5 is the film that sets up the baseline for what can now be called Abhirup Ghosh’s growing cop universe.
And that universe is getting a new force. Joining the film is Koushani Mukherjee, who will be seen as a headstrong female police officer. While details about her character are still being kept under wraps, her casting alone hints at an energy shift. Koushani stepping into a tough, action-driven police role suggests that Mrigaya 1.5 may not be resting solely on Ritwick’s shoulders. Instead, it seems ready to bring in a strong female lead who can match the grit and intensity of the world Abhirup has built.
The supporting cast also looks like a smart blend of experience and entertainment. Mir Afsar Ali will be seen playing a senior police officer. Meanwhile, Arpan Ghosal will reportedly appear in a comic role, ensuring the film doesn’t drown completely in blood, bullets and grim silences. Another notable addition is Ananya Bhattacharya, who will be seen playing a victim in the film.
“With Mrigaya 1.5, I wanted to explore the characters a little more closely before we move into the bigger world of the franchise. This film will give audiences a glimpse into some of the backstory and the events that shaped characters like OC Debanjan Dutta. While it is a spin-off, it also works as an important link in the larger Mrigaya universe we are building. We are keeping the narrative sharp, fast and rooted in the city. And yes — viewers can definitely expect a lot more action, along with plenty of twists and turns. Mrigaya 1.5 will be a complete entertainer, and we’re excited to begin shooting,” said Abhirup Ghosh.
Unlike the first Mrigaya, which featured significant portions shot on the outskirts of the city, Mrigaya 1.5 will be shot largely within the city itself. That choice could give the film a very different texture. Calcutta’s lanes, traffic, chaos and character have always been cinematic, but in an action film, the city can become a living, breathing element of the chase or the hunt. With a familiar lead, a bold new co-lead, and the promise of action rooted right in the heart of the city, Mrigaya 1.5 is shaping up to be a compact but impactful addition to Bengali cinema’s growing action landscape and a strong stepping stone towards the next chapter of the cop universe franchise.
