A star singer decides to get hitched to a girl his mother has selected for him. But drama ensues when the singer receives an anonymous mail, where he is asked to end the engagement. Meanwhile, a music teacher enters the scene and tries to win the girl over. Biye Bibhrat, starring Abir Chatterjee and Parambrata Chattopadhyay, is a poignant look at the rigors of courtship. The narrative explores the complicated life of modern-day couples, and how they try to fit in. A The Telegraph chat with Abir.

We are seeing you in a romantic comedy after some time....

I am really happy about it. As we grow older we realise that none of us can really solve the mysteries of life.

Are you tired of playing a detective?

Not at all. I’m just bewildered with people’s fixation with thrillers. Wherever I go, I get asked that one question: ‘Dada, when is the next Byomkesh film hitting the theatres?’ I am amused. This film is something different for me. The story of Biye Bibhrat is written by Param. All the songs have become really popular. I have lip-synced to songs in this film... and that is a rarity for me.

When was the last time you lip-synced to a song?

In Abby Sen and Jomer Raja Dilo Bor. It happened quite a few years ago. In most of my films, the songs form the background. So I got to explore this space in Biye Bibhrat. And I like watching light-hearted, fun films. I also like acting in them. To tell you frankly, life is full of stress. So one would like to be entertained when you watch a film. Maybe we are not realising it now... but we are taking ourselves too seriously. Why not just sit back and relax! Biye Bibhrat talks about something essential but it is told in a very light-hearted, easy way.

When did Param tell you this story?

In 2015! I had loved the story, and Param had promised that we would be a part of the film as actors whenever it would be made. Param informed me about this film last year. He told me that he had changed the ending... I listened to it and felt that it was even better. It is so relevant with the times. With age and experience we have all evolved. We have various kinds of ideas about love and marriage. When we look back at some of the things that had happened during our college days, we might laugh about it. But during that time it was the most important thing for us. And that’s how it should be. That’s how we grow. The story of this film is very free-flowing. The film has some beautiful moments, it depicts some lovely relationships. The rapport that I share with my screen mother in this film is brilliant. They are like friends as well. Also, if you go through my filmography, you’ll notice that often the characters I play do not have parents. This is interesting.

Coming back to Byomkesh, have you taken a break from playing Byomkesh?

I actually wanted to take a break from playing Byomkesh since 2018. I had already done six Byomkesh films by then. I am very proud of my Byomkesh films. In 2022, we felt that we would have to make some films that would bring the audience back to theatres... a Byomkesh film was comparatively a safe bet. That’s when Byomkesh Hatyamancha happened. I have done seven Byomkesh films, and a Byomkesh spin-off. I feel that I have to explore myself once again. The audience has showered so much love on me for Byomkesh. I owe a lot to Byomkesh. Which is why I have taken a break.

You play a popular singer-songwriter who is also a YouTuber. Was this angle added to the revised storyline that you heard in 2022?

Yes, and another very important plot point... I play Shakyo who lives with his mother. She is a friend and guide. He jokingly says, ‘I had dreamt of becoming Leonard Cohen. I couldn’t get there. Maybe I have become the poor man’s Prateek Kuhaad’. Shakyo makes fun of himself. He can take a joke. He is smart and sensible, loveable and sweet. He is a fan of Anjan Dutt. He quotes Anjanda as well. When Param is writing the story, and Param and I are acting in the film, references to Anjanda will be there. It is a given. Shakyo’s mother is telling him to get married. Shakyo is slightly commitment phobic. He gives silly excuses.

What did the word ‘marriage’ mean to you when you were in college?

I always had a good and positive vibe about marriage. I have seen very rocksolid marriages in my family. Marriage is all about friendship, companionship, sharing responsibilities... it is about growing old together... about families coming together. It is also about mutual respect.

Both you and Param go back a long way....

Both of us started with television... he had begun earlier. We actually worked together for the first time in 2002. Param was a very popular name on television. I had just started working. We have a lovely camaraderie which shows on screen in this film. And the audience really likes to see us on screen together. We need to explore that vibe more intelligently in the future.

What are the qualities that you like in Param?

He is a brilliant multitasker. I need to space things out. We started out almost simultaneously... and our journeys have run parallel to each other. We also understand our responsibilities towards our industry, which has increased.

Would you like to do another comedy film?

I would love to do more comedies... and I feel there will always be a demand for intelligently made comedies.

How was it like working with Raja Chanda?

Rajada has delivered huge blockbusters... in fact I had done an ad with Rajada many years ago. Rajada is a very smart maker. He is flexible and works really quickly. We share a very good rapport. He is a good friend.

In the recent past we have seen you being very selective about your work...

But there was a time when people would say that I was doing too many films. In this industry we have to work more, to earn more. We all have bills to pay. We also wrap up a film quickly. I have always been choosy... and I’ve worked with almost all the leading directors. I think we can do four films in a year... that’s okay. The best part is that I love my work. The sense of anticipation when a film is about to release is so exciting.

What’s your message to our readers?

Biye Bibhrat is a fun film with a strong message... there is situational comedy. The film will resonate with the audience because we have all gone through these situations.