Director Aritra Sen is all set to start the shoot of Julie, a web series about a girl who was trafficked and survived as a prostitute but grows to become a major social worker and politician. Paoli Dam plays the titular role. Other important cast members include Shruti Das, playing a young aspiring politician who is a formidable foe for Julie, Gourab Chatterjee playing a CBI officer and Koushik Sen, who plays a very experienced political leader. The series will stream on Addatimes.

“While the concept was developing, I reached out to Paoli and always had her in mind for this character, which has many shades. After Kaali season 1 and 2, we are back working together again in Julie. Much like Kaali, Julie is a first-person narrative and is a very demanding role. Julie is also a very good singer, which makes her dream big to break away from the shackles of the red light area and lead a normal life. This subaltern woman joins mainstream politics and challenges the status quo. The taboo and stigma that she faces for her occupation comes in the way of becoming successful in mainstream politics but she fights hard to hold her ground firm,” said Aritra.

“I loved the storyline and the character graph... it is about women empowerment. Julie is a strong, multi-layered character and goes through a huge transformation. It is a very inspiring journey. This is my second collaboration with Team Kaali and it’ll be my first collaboration with Surinder Films. I am really looking forward to this journey,” said Paoli.

A t2 chat with Aritra...

What is the genesis of the storyline?

We wanted to explore the idea of a woman from a marginalised part of society, having to deal with taboo and a lot of judgment from normal people, who could against all odds become a strong challenger to the mainstream.

What are you trying to say through the series?

We are trying to tell a story but a story that is relevant in today’s political environment and also the fact that the society is extremely conniving and selfish. The world is ruthless and will not give you an inch. You have to fight for your right and your place.

Why cast Paoli as Julie?

This is an author-backed role and Paoli is such a strong actor who can play a wide range of characters. Here Julie has so many shades and facets so I could not think of anyone else who could portray this complex character convincingly.

After the success of Shohorer Ushnotomo Dine, how does it feel to be directing once again?

I have not made a series for a while now. I started my journey with Kaali and Paoli. So to get to do a genre that is quite different is always challenging and feels good as a creator. A political thriller is mapped out like a game of chess. So I have to execute it very tactfully. I am loving the idea of exploring varied genres. Meanwhile, I have directed a film called Prantik with Arjun Chakrabarty in the lead, which is awaiting release.