KOLKATA, India (Diya TV) — Swastika Mukherjee is set to headline a new Indo-American thriller that promises emotional depth and psychological tension. The Bengali-language film, “Chheledhora,” will begin principal photography on March 1. The production will shoot in the scenic towns of Itanagar and Ziro in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh.
The project marks the latest feature from writer-director Shieladitya Moulik. It blends family drama, dark humor, and thriller elements. The film aims for both Indian audiences and the international festival circuit.
“Chheledhora” centers on Brishti, a divorced woman who struggles with guilt, anger, and regret. She feels misunderstood by those around her. In an impulsive move, she takes her daughter without permission to celebrate the child’s birthday. Soon after, she learns that her daughter has been truly abducted.
The shocking discovery sends Brishti into a frantic search. The story unfolds as a tense road journey filled with twists and moral dilemmas. As danger rises, Brishti must confront her own flaws and fears. The film explores motherhood, forgiveness, and second chances.
Moulik said the story focuses on broken parents who discover unexpected courage. He described the film as intimate and emotional. He said children often become the moral compass for adults. He believes the story speaks to universal themes of healing and redemption.
Mukherjee plays Brishti, a character she describes as difficult but deeply human. She said Brishti is impulsive and wounded. Yet her love for her daughter feels instinctive and fierce. Mukherjee said she felt drawn to the character’s vulnerability.
Mukherjee has built a strong body of work across film and streaming platforms. She appeared in Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!, directed by Dibakar Banerjee for Yash Raj Films. She also starred in “Janala,” directed by Buddhadeb Dasgupta, which screened at international festivals.
Her recent work includes the hit series Paatal Lok, the Netflix film Qala, and the crime drama “Kaali Potka” for ZEE5. Industry observers say her performance in “Chheledhora” could add another milestone to her career.
The film is an Indo-American co-production backed by India’s Handyyman and Sita22 Films. Handyyman previously produced the streaming show “Hawa Badle Hassu” and the Indo-Italian-Swiss feature “Interdependence.”
Sita22 Films is a new banner founded by Anindita, also known as Ann, Mukherjee. She spent four decades as a corporate executive at global companies, including PepsiCo, S.C. Johnson, and Pernod Ricard. She said she wants her company to support socially conscious and emotionally layered stories.
Protiqe Mojoomdar of Handyyman said he felt an immediate connection to the script. He noted that he and Moulik first collaborated during their early advertising careers. He said Mukherjee’s early involvement strengthened the project’s appeal.
Italian cinematographer Vincenzo Condorelli will handle the camera work. He previously worked on “Cobalt Blue” and “Songs of Paradise.” The filmmakers plan to capture the dramatic landscapes of Ziro Valley to enhance the film’s mood.
The crew also includes line producer Suven Kumar Das, creative producer Jitin Hingorani, production designer Somanwita Bhattacharya, and costume designer Ajopa Mukherjee. The team plans to continue filming through the end of March. Producers will announce additional casting soon.
