Swastika Mukherjee, known for her work in Bengali and Hindi films in India, has recently signed on for a new thriller film in Bangladesh titled 'One Eleven,' directed by Kamrul Islam Refat. Known for her selective and often unconventional choice of characters and films, Swastika briefly shared her thoughts on 'One Eleven' in an interview with the Business Post.
How are you feeling?
I'm fine now. I underwent surgery in early September and took a month to rest at home, not necessarily bed rest, but I'm perfectly fine now.
Can you tell us what prompted you to act in 'One Eleven'?
I've had a strong desire to work in a Bangladeshi film for many years. I visited Dhaka in 2008 for the first and only time, shooting for a commercial film. Since then, we've had discussions with various directors and producers, and exchanged scripts, but nothing materialised. In 2021, Kamrul Refat, the director of 'One Eleven,' sent me the story. I read it during the pandemic, and since then, I've been in touch with Kamrul Refat and his team.
After reading the script and many drafts, discussing characters, and having numerous Zoom meetings, I was fascinated by the whole story, the way they wanted to shoot it, and the whole thing. I always want to do characters I've never done before; I don't want to repeat myself. Why would the audience want to see the same character, why would they want to see me or my film? I will do a movie in Bangladesh, if the film doesn’t touch me, then I will not act in the film. But I'm really very happy that I'm working on this film.
Is 'One Eleven' a mystery thriller or a political thriller?
Our lives are never without politics or mystery. We wake up not knowing how our day will unfold, and even during shooting, we don't know which scenes will be shot in the evening. Mystery is a part of our lives, whether in movies or stories.
There is joy in not knowing, that's why when you see the film 'One Eleven' on the big screen, there will be curiosity and I feel then you'll understand whether it’s a mystery or it's a thriller or it's a political thriller. All I can say is the film 'One Eleven' is a mix of everything, just like our lives.
You surprised everyone with your role in the Netflix web series 'Qala.' Can we expect something similar in 'One Eleven'?
Without a doubt, I won't be playing a usual character, and I won't repeat roles that the audience has already seen me in. I always want to present myself to the audience in a completely new way. So, my character in 'One Eleven' is entirely fresh, and the audience has never seen me like this before.
It could be a new character, clothes, and looks. So definitely my character is completely new in 'One Eleven'. The audience has never seen me like this before. I'm very excited about it.
You've worked with experienced producers and directors in Bollywood. How do you feel about working with a new director like Kamrul Islam Refat for 'One Eleven'?
Throughout my 23-year career, I've worked with many new directors and producers. Kamrul Islam Refat is directing his first film, and it's also my first film with him. In every profession, everyone has a first day. I've had a first day in my life, a first job, and I know the frustration of not wanting to work with new people. But I've never been scared to work with new talents. I'm always very willing to work with new technicians. So I have never been scared or not willing to work with new people. All of us have gone through it in our life and realizing that frustration I'm always very willing to work with new technicians. And undoubtedly it will be the first film of Kamrul Islam Refat. I have been talking to his team, associate, and assistant director, many times, I’m in contact with them over the phone and they are working so efficiently that I don't have patience anymore. Whenever I speak to them, I say how soon we can start shooting. I can't wait to start shooting. Preparation is in full swing.
You'll be working with talented Bangladeshi actor Afzal Hossain in 'One Eleven.' How does this collaboration add to your enthusiasm?
It adds a lot of warmth. I'm a huge fan of Bangladeshi actors and actresses and follow their work, whether it's released on OTT platforms or in Kolkata. Working with Afzal Hossain is an honour for me. I hope we can work together seamlessly and spread warmth on the big screen. I look forward to working with the entire cast and crew. I've been working in West Bengal for many years, and I will continue to do so. I'm very happy and keeping my fingers crossed for an amazing collaboration.
Note
'One Eleven' features dialogue by Mozaffar Hossain, based on a story by Humayun Kabir Biswas. The screenplay has been revised and edited by filmmaker duo Nurul Alam Atiq and Matia Banu Shuku, with Robin Shams serving as the executive producer of the film.
