The mystery thriller The Eken — Ruddhaswas Rajasthan, which releases on April 14 worldwide, centres on Eken Babu (Anirban Chakrabarti) and his two companions played by Suhotra Mukhopadhyay and Somak Ghosh. While on vacation in Rajasthan, a mystery unravels. Suhotra Mukhopadhyay aka Bappaditya/Bapi is Eken Babu’s favourite companion whom he met during an investigation in Bangalore and was in awe of his work since then. Nevertheless, this time in Rajasthan, events take a different turn. A chat with Suhotra....

When did you start watching the Eken series?

Once I got the offer for the first Eken film, I started closely watching the various seasons of the series. Eken Babu is so rooted that it is easy to relate to him as a Bengali. Anirbanda’s performance as Eken has taken it to a different level. Anirbanda’s portrayal of Eken Babu has given the character a new dimension.

How did you prepare for the character?

My character was already established and loved by the people. I knew what I had to do. One of the most important aspects of the series/films is the chemistry between the three characters, and I focused on that. Our bonding comes across really well in this film.

Was this your first trip to Rajasthan?

Yes, and we were in Jaisalmer... and we went there to shoot in December, and we had a great time there. Eken Babu shows or films are travelogues also. I had this wish to visit Sonar Kella... and we got to shoot inside Sonar Kella... it was amazing. There was an abandoned village in Jaisalmer called Kuldhara ... which was interesting also.

How was the shooting experience?

It was quite hectic. The storyline has various elements this time... there are action and chase sequences, and it took time and effort to shoot those scenes. And the weather was quite unpredictable. One would experience the cold and chilly weather in the early mornings and evenings and then suddenly feel hot at other times.

What was your takeaway from the shoot?

The culture and the people of the place. I’ll always remember the experience of getting on a camel. I almost fell off the first time but I held on. And I had a great time working with everyone, from Anirbanda to Rajeshda (Sharma) and Rajatava Dutta. I got to learn so much from the experience. Also, I got to try out the dessert there and it was amazing.

What can the audience expect from the film?

The new backdrop... Jaisalmer has been captured brilliantly in the film. The film will create a sense of nostalgia for the Bengalis... they will get to revisit the place after Sonar Kella. Incidentally, the place became a popular tourist destination after the film had come out. Overall, Ruddhaswas Rajasthan is a great package with thrilling action sequences and dollops of humour. It is a great feel-good film.