In a fresh wave of Bengali cinema captivating audiences, ‘Cheledhora’ spotlights the raw, unfiltered struggles of motherhood amid personal turmoil. This Indo-American venture, helmed by director Shilabitty Moulik, begins principal photography on March 1 across Arunachal Pradesh’s picturesque landscapes. At its heart is Swastika Mukherjee portraying Brishti, a flawed divorcee whose story unfolds like a rollercoaster of emotions.
Swastika opens up about embodying Brishti: a woman whose hasty choices and imperfections make her unlikeable at first glance. Yet, her fierce maternal instinct propels her through unimaginable trials. The film opens with Brishti whisking her daughter off for a surprise birthday without approval, only for the escapade to turn horrific when a real kidnapping occurs.
What follows is no mere rescue mission—it’s Brishti’s odyssey of introspection, where crisis becomes the mirror reflecting her deepest flaws. ‘Parents don’t always see their own mistakes until life forces them to,’ Swastika reflects, underscoring the film’s message on growth through adversity.
Shilabitty Moulik paints ‘Cheledhora’ as an emotional road journey brimming with twists, forgiveness, and renewal. He praises Arunachal Pradesh not only for its natural beauty but for its vibrant local artists and technicians, with 14 team members hailing from the region.
As shooting looms in Itanagar and Ziro Valley, the film stands poised to challenge stereotypes, offering a nuanced look at a mother’s resilience. ‘Cheledhora’ isn’t just entertainment; it’s a poignant reminder that true strength often blooms in our darkest hours.