Abar Proloy actor Saswata Chatterjee: Language is no longer an inhibiting factor

Saswata Chatterjee is set to come back as Animesh Dutta in Raj Chakraborty’s debut web series Abar Proloy. A decade has elapsed since the release of Pralay in August 2013, and now, Animesh Dutta’s new case that delves into human trafficking in the Sunderban area will stream on Zee5. 

In an interview with Pratidin, Saswata gleefully exclaims, “Proloy has grown tenfold in my life, and you can expect the action to be tenfold more intense this time. Brace yourself for a spectacle like none other; such magnificence has never been conceived before!”

As for the teaser response, he remains grounded in the reality of modern times. "Nowadays, everything triggers reactions, and it's only natural. However, I remain unsure about how many will bear witness to our creation or ardently follow its every episode. The competition in the digital realm is fierce, and I dare not take anything for granted," he remarks sagely.

The paradigm of content consumption has transcended linguistic barriers, with audiences embracing OTTs in Hindi and English with equal fervor. Saswata reaffirms, "You see, talent knows no boundaries anymore. I have had the privilege of working on numerous Hindi and Telugu projects. Language is no longer an inhibiting factor."

Regarding the expectations surrounding Abar Proloy's standards, Saswata articulates his observations after witnessing the project during the dubbing process. "Raj Chakraborty is an ardent visionary, brimming with passion, and his unwavering involvement throughout the making instills hope that the project shall never veer off course," he proclaims confidently.

Intrigued by the transformation over a decade, the conversation veers towards the formidable fitness required for Abar Proloy. Saswata reveals, "When Raj proposed the sequel, I urged him to expedite the process. The groundwork was laid long ago, and upon hearing the concept, I couldn't help but quip that it was meant for me twenty-five years back (laughs). The preparation was relentless, a constant grind from dawn till dusk. I faced action sequences like never before, a true test of my mettle."

Abar Proloy delves into the murky world of crime, entangling the narrative with smuggling and trafficking elements. Saswata emphasizes the collective effort behind the project's success. "Success hinges on the potency of its leadership, and Raj is an exemplary leader, driven by an unwavering fervor. Subhasree, the producer, played a pivotal role, providing Raj with all that he needed. I recall vividly how she accompanied us, along with her child, during our shoot in Sunderban. Such dedication was awe-inspiring!"

The shoot took place predominantly in Sunderban, with Saswata's involvement spanning approximately 40-42 days, of which 10 days were solely dedicated to demanding action sequences. "Yes, the shoot was both on land and water," he confirms.

Speaking of the risks involved, Saswata acknowledges, "Undoubtedly, there were risks, but Raj firmly abides by the principle 'No risk, no gain.' The stakes were high, and we ventured where few dare."

The ensemble cast is a tapestry of talent, featuring names like Ritiwik Chakraborty, Paran Bandyopadhyay, Debasish Mondal, Kousani Mukhopadhyay, Sayani Ghosh, Gourab Chakraborty, June Maliah, Sohini Sengupta. Saswata praises the director's unique ability to reinvent actors in roles that break away from their industry mold. "Raj has a rare gift of reshaping performers in roles that defy expectations. His knack for unearthing the untapped potential in an artist is extraordinary, making Abar Pralay a testimony to his remarkable directorial prowess," Saswata concludes, confident that this cinematic endeavor will etch its mark in the annals of excellence.

About the author: Chandragupta is part human brain, part generative AI: the former provides intellect while the latter does the heavy lifting of an artificial neural network. The name, if you haven’t already worked it out, is a backronym of ChatGPT.