After the success of Guptodhoner Sondhane and Durgeshgorer Guptodhon, Sonada, Abir and Jhinuk are all set to take forward the treasure hunt journey with Karnasubarner Guptodhon, directed by Dhrubo Banerjee. Karnasubarner Guptodhon, which releases today, follows the trio whose vacation turns into a dangerous quest for the greatest treasure of Bengal. Abir Chatterjee reprises the role of the much-loved Sonada while Arjun Chakrabarty and Ishaa Saha are back as the endearing characters, Abir and Jhinuk. The telegrapj chat with Abir.

The team has been to many schools and colleges to talk about the film. What’s the feedback so far?

The biggest takeaway from these school and college visits is the way the students are reacting to the trio, the film. It is very heartwarming. I have always said that the biggest treasure of the Guptodhon franchise is the love and affection of the people... and mostly from the youth. The way they are welcoming us... it is very evident that they were waiting for the third film. The teachers also expressed their desire to watch the film. They are also looking forward to it. It is a very informative film... through the film they will also get to learn about our history. The way the students are talking about the film... it goes much beyond it. It is a family outing... they have put their trust in us. The overall feedback is that our visits have benefitted the students. That’s a huge thing for us. Class IV students were calling me by my name. I did not know how to react. Whether to be happy or be embarrassed.

Are they also calling you Sonada?

Yes. Previously only kids used to call me Sonada. And now I see teenagers and college-goers calling me Sonada as well. Some are also calling me ‘sir’, and since Subarna Sen is a history professor, ‘sir’ is fine too. The youth calling me Sonada is also a huge takeaway for me. The students are very happy to see us... they can go back home and discuss the film with their parents and grandparents as well. For the Guptodhon franchise it is an unwritten rule that they discuss it with their whole family.

Did the youngsters have specific questions for you?

They asked me whether I was adventurous in my personal life. The franchise deals with Bengal’s history. So they asked me which state I would like to visit. They had fun questions as well.

Which state would you like to visit?

I had said Rajasthan.

What about the question on being an adventurous person?

I told them that I am not a very adventurous person off screen (smiles). But it is not only about the adventure. It is about travelling; about knowing your history and your roots. I had admitted that I was not a big fan of history when I was a student since I had to mug up the years, dynasties and so many names. But later I realised these are all our stories; stories of our ancestors. If we don’t know what has happened in the past, how do we decide how to go forward? Sonada does the same thing... but in a fun way. He never preaches... he informs in a fun way. That’s why Sonada is so popular. He is the benevolent teacher you can look up to as a guide, and you can share your secrets as an elderly friend. I started enjoying reading up on history when I started travelling to different parts of the country. History is very interesting... it is like revisiting a time period.

A moment from Karnasubarner Guptodhon, which releases today in theatres

Why do you feel the franchise is such a huge success?

It is a mix of everything. The trio are very today’s characters and people can relate to them. They feel they are their neighbours. They find themselves in these three characters. At the same time it is a travelogue, it is steeped in Bangaliana. There’s love for food, love for fun, love for travelling... and with that comes all the information in a very fun way. Then there’s the element of thrill, mystery, solving the riddles. That also gives you the adrenaline rush.

You were already hugely popular as Byomkesh Bakshi when you had signed on the first film of Guptodhon franchise. What were your thoughts on making Sonada different from Byomkesh?

Sonada is much closer to home. You can idolise Byomkesh. He can be your hero. But deep down you know that you can never match up to Byomkesh’s knowledge or intelligence, and the huge personality or the moral compass that he has. It is unattainable but you can hero worship Byomkesh. You can go to Sonada and share your secrets. You can take advice from Sonada. He is a sweet person; very colloquial, very today’s... in the way he behaves, the way he dresses up and mixes with Abir and Jhinuk. The Guptodhon franchise is for everyone, from age eight to 80. We are celebrating Puja after two years. We are getting closer to normal life. And to do that you need to celebrate life. And Puja is all about being together with your loved ones. So you take everyone and enjoy the Guptodhon experience on the big screen. That’s why this is a Puja release. It is meant for collective viewing (even before the first show, more than 25,000 tickets were sold by Thursday afternoon).

Do we get to see Sonada’s girlfriend in this film?!

College-goers and senior people have asked me this question. They are eager to know who Semanti Sarkar is, whether they will get to see her or not. We will give you the answer on September 30.

When the stakes are so high, how do you keep it real and cool during the shoot? The level of expectation is huge.

The pressure is very high and we have to live up to expectations. I know the kind of responsibility I have on my shoulder... and it is a very welcoming pressure. I have been doing films for the last 13 years and television before that. With age and experience I have also understood the importance of a big film. Whatever I am today is because of the industry. It is not only my livelihood. I am fulfilling my dream also. I am fortunate to do something to earn my living, which I also love to do. In return I also have to give back something to the industry. We always think what else can be done to reach out to a wider audience; how can we increase the audience number also. We just hope people love the third film more than the last two films. We know what we are in for. This has become much bigger than a film. The Guptodhon franchise has become a part of people’s lives. The films have given them immense joy.

Can you let out one interesting trivia from the storyline?

There is a huge, huge surprise waiting for the audience. We have not discussed anything on this because we are not supposed to divulge anything. People who have loved the first two films will be surprised to see something interesting happening in this film. There is a very small hint in the trailer. Dhrubo has done that very intelligently so that people don’t notice it. People will be very happy to see the surprise.

During script discussions or ideation do you also give your own inputs?

Yes, yes.... Dhrubo is very particular about it. He has said this multiple times that the three characters belong to us as well. He tells us that we would know how Sonada, Abir and Jhinuk might react in a situation. Dhrubo is open to suggestions.

Picture: B. Halder

Abir’s wardrobe: Darshika Menswear

Styling: Bombae by Aisha

Hair and make-up: Ayan Roy