BHUBANESWAR: Famed director Abhishek Chaubey is back with a movie Sonchiriya having already directed successful projects in Ishqiya, Dedh Ishqiya and Udta Punjab. The new film boasts a star-studded cast in Sushant Singh Rajput, Bhumi Pednekar, Manoj Bajpayee, Ashutosh Rana and Ranvir Shorey. In a proud moment for the state, Odia actor Satya Ranjan finds a place among the ‘Baaghis’.
The movie, which is based on true incidents, delves into the history of Chambal region, wherein baaghis (rebels of sorts) created havoc for the authorities three decades ago. The movie is scheduled to be released March 1.
Ranjan plays the character of one of the bandits. In a brief interaction with Orissa POST, the talented actor shared his experience in working on the project. Born in Todanga village of Bhadrak district, the 34-year-old actor is staying in Mumbai since 2009. His passion for acting intensified right from his childhood as his father used to take him to plays organised by a local theater group. “Hence, I decided to go to Mumbai after completion of my studies and brief stints in some jobs,” he said.
He said, “I have never dreamt of being a big star. My only dream is to work as a professional actor and learn new things on set. I read and watch a lot of movies to make progress in this regard.” The versatile actor has worked in more than five movies including Shikasht which is yet to be released. He has played smaller roles in Daawat-E-Ishq, Airlift, The Legend Of Michel Mishra and Bengali movie Alifa, which has won national award, among others.
On being enquired about the movie Sonchiriya, he said, “The movie is based on a true story on 1970 bandit wars between cops and bandit. It’s about the journey of the gang. The gang goes through a rollercoaster ride till the climax of the movie.”
He said that shooting of the movie was done in Dholpur area of Rajasthan where the mercury soared to more than 45 degrees. We were indulged in shooting from January to April. The shooting location was far from the hotel. It took three hours for us to reach the site every day.”
On being enquired about director Abhishek Chaubey, Satya said, “He is one of the finest and most innovative directors of the present generation. He has the charisma of his guru Vishal Bharadwaj. He tries to depict his work with much more rawness and authenticity which makes his
works unique.”
Working with actors of national repute has helped Satya a lot in his work. He said, “Working with actors such as Manoj Bajpayee and Asutosh Rana is a dream come true for me. The fact that these actors, who have already achieved the pinnacle of glory in their field, still put gargantuan efforts for each scene is truly inspiring.
The actor said that he got to experience amusing things in the sets of the upcoming movie. He said, “We had to learn to use the guns which were used by the bandits. We had to learn Bundelkhandi language and accent too.”
Satya is presently working in a movie Mathaan in which he is plays the role of the protagonist. The movie is based on Chhau art form and dance. The movie is directed by Anjon Bhattacharya
Stressing on the need to create movies with good plotline, he said, “People these days want to see brilliant and unique stories. As is evident from recent releases, they would reject movies with mediocre stories. I personally think that this is the best time for Indian cinema and actors like me.”
Arindam Ganguly, OP
