Since his debut in Bengali filmmaking with Aamra in 2006, director Mainak Bhaumik has been best-known for his on-the-face, practical, urban rom-com films that appeal especially to the young, bohemian generation. His movie Generation Aami starring Sauraseni Mitra and Rwitobroto Mukher jee that released last year deals with overprotected Bengali children and was appreciated by the audience and the critics alike. But this year, it seems Bhaumik is ready to tread a different path with a psychological thriller Bornoporichoy, starring Abir Chatterjee, Jisshu Sengupta and Priyanka Sarkar, which releases today. We had a chat with Bhaumik ahead of the film’s release. Excerpts:
Why did you decide on making a thriller?
I wanted to do something different and hence thought of writing a thriller. I am a big fan of Hollywood thrillers and grew up watching movies by Alfred Hitchcock, Jonathan Demme and others. So I always wanted to make my own version.
What’s the plot?
Well, I have revealed who the killer is, thereby killing the ‘whodunnit’ element in the very beginning. I have also weaved in a relationship story between the cop and the killer and put it in a cat-and-mouse chase format.
It’s your second with Abir after Bedroom. What made you cast him in a negative role?
Abir has successfully branded himself as a good guy on the screen. So, I thought of shattering that image. He has a wide scope and range as an actor. He’s just waiting to explore his options. Just as I am trying my hands at directing a thriller, it’s also a good opportunity for him to rid himself of his ‘good boy’ persona. I am very happy about the way he has lived up to the role.
And how’s Jisshu here? Jisshu plays a down-and-out cop who’s chasing Abir, a very thorough serial killer. Jisshu’s character has lost almost everything in life and he is trying to put the pieces back together. It’s a strong and complicated journey.
What about Priyanka?
She plays Jisshu’s wife and is a very strong reason why the film is happening.
Any more films this year?
I am doing a teen detective film Goyenda Junior with Rwitobroto Mukherjee in the title role. We will commence shooting for it soon.