Having earned praise from the audience for his performance in the blockbuster Karnasubarner Guptodhon, Arjun Chakrabarty is set to return to the big screen on December 2 with Khela Jawkhon. Directed by Arindam Sil, Khela Jawkhon stars Mimi Chakraborty, Arjun, Anindya Chatterjee, Susmita Chatterjee and more. A The Telegraph chat with Arjun.
What was your first reaction when you heard the story of Khela Jawkhon?
I was thrilled to be considered for the role of Sagnik. It’s a mysterious story, as is evident from the trailer. I don’t know of any Bengali film that has dealt with a psychological thriller of this nature with the execution that Arindamda has pulled off yet again.
Why did you say ‘yes’ to the film?
I have a weakness for action/ military/no-nonsense characters and this script gave me exactly that. As a member of the audience I love watching action thrillers, so to be a part of one myself was an opportunity I wasn’t going to pass up. Working with Arindamda is always a pleasure because of how he works and the kind of stories he loves to tell.
How did you prepare for your character?
Thankfully, being obsessed with physical fitness helped me deal with the immensely detailed and technical action sequences. Also, the mental fitness to be able to become a character unlike any I’ve played before. He’s a calm, confident and strong personality. The ultimate preparation as always was the script and my director’s guidance.
Arjun in Khela Jawkhon, which releases in theatres on December 2
Did you have questions for Arindamda?
Not right after reading the script, but while we’re on the floor we think of things we could improvise, things that we could add or eliminate with the director’s permission. Once in the field, the visual image we had from the script is often changed. So that’s when we have to think on our feet and tend to have questions, since the director already has the bigger picture in their mind, clear.
How did it feel to be working with Arindamda once again?
Wonderful. We discuss books, which is not something I get to do with many people at my workplace. Also, he’d given me Satyakam in Byomkesh Gowtro, which really changed how I saw myself and how I was perceived in the industry. I believe I’ll always hear praises for it. Feels happy to see how he trusts me with unique and diverse characters. Satyakam and Sagnik are pretty far apart.
What are his strengths as a director?
The visually rich narration right at the beginning of any project’s journey. He knows how to pamper and care for every unit member, not just his lead artistes and cinematographer. The unit genuinely has fun on his set. At the same time, he can be strict and demanding without being cruel. In fact, even in serious scenes we find some comic relief behind the camera. It becomes an enjoyable process.
How do you look back on Byomkesh Gowtro now?
Fondly. Being in Mussoorie for close to three weeks with the entire cast and crew really helped everyone get into their characters and bond well with each other. Satyakam, no matter how problematic his nature, will always have a special place with me. I enjoyed the challenge and the entire journey was pleasant. Till then I probably hadn’t gone so deep cerebrally into a character.
How did it feel to be working with Mimi once again?
Great. It’s been a while since we last worked and we don’t meet or speak often outside of work, so I wasn’t sure how comfortable it would be, playing Urmi and Sagnik here. But she, as always, is a pleasure to work with and with our current experience and maturity, I believe our chemistry is better than ever this time.
Any fond memories of working together for Baapi Bari Ja or Gaaner Oparey?
Gaaner Oparey is all fond memories. That’s where we began, and it is talked about till this day. Sort of a dream debut. Of course the journey post Gaaner Oparey hasn’t been easy, but Gora Pupe to Urmi Sagnik is quite the journey. Amusing to look back and see the road we’ve travelled.
What kind of challenges did you face while shooting for Khela Jawkhon?
There’s a slow-cooking intensity throughout the film. There’s no “normal” dialogue sequence here. There’s always someone hiding secrets, always someone up to something somewhere. Maintaining that intrigue, that mystery throughout and also the action sequences, made it a mentally and physically exhausting schedule.
How did you prepare and work on the action scenes?
Usually on outdoor schedules, the usual exercise routine goes for a toss, so we have to get creative with the diet and exercise. Before shoot commenced, we had to train in basic fight and combat moves for a couple of weeks, so that helped. Warming up before the shot and being on the same page as the action choreographer is extremely important. Sunil Rodrigues and his team are brilliant at their job.
What is the USP of Khela Jawkhon?
A psychological thriller that our audiences haven’t experienced before. Ayan Sil, our cinematographer, has done an excellent job with the visuals. That, coupled with a script like this, is going to be a treat for the movie-going audience. We can assure an entertaining outing.
