Swastika Mukherjee Returns as Complex Mother Character in Shiladitya Moulik’s Family Thriller “Cheledhara”
IIE DIGITAL DESK : Bengali actress Swastika Mukherjee is set to portray a challenging and emotionally layered character in director Shiladitya Moulik’s upcoming film Cheledhara, a family thriller exploring moral dilemmas, parental responsibility and emotional conflict. The Indo American joint production follows the success of the earlier project Surya and will begin shooting on March 1 in scenic locations of Itanagar and the Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh.
Swastika will portray the character named “Bristi”, a divorced mother dealing with emotional complexity and ethical struggles while raising her daughter. The story revolves around a mother and child relationship that takes an unexpected turn during the daughter’s birthday celebration. Driven by emotional impulse, the mother takes her daughter out, but the situation quickly spirals out of control when the child is abducted. The narrative then unfolds as Bristi confronts difficult truths and faces inner moral conflicts while searching for solutions.
Speaking about her character, Swastika Mukherjee said that the role challenges conventional portrayals of motherhood. She emphasised that not all mothers are the same, adding that maternal love can coexist with flaws, emotional vulnerability and complicated life choices. According to the actress, the character of Bristi is not meant to be instantly likable but is designed to reflect realistic human emotions. The role pushed her to confront several personal and philosophical questions regarding responsibility, love and sacrifice.
Director Shiladitya Moulik described Cheledhara as a story about imperfect people who still possess the ability to love. The film is structured as a road journey style narrative but focuses primarily on themes of guardianship, guilt, emotional neglect and the courage to confront one’s mistakes. The director believes the subject has universal appeal and can resonate with both domestic and international audiences. For this reason, the production team is also planning to submit the film to global film festivals.
The movie is being produced by Prateek Majumdar and Anindita Mukhopadhyay under the banners of “Handyman” and “Seeta 22 Films”. The cinematography will be handled by Italian cinematographer Vincenzo Condorelli, adding an international visual flavour to the project. The shooting schedule is expected to continue until the end of March, covering multiple locations across the northeastern landscape.
The makers have stated that the film will also introduce other cast members and technical collaborators in the coming days. With its psychological depth, social messaging and strong emotional storytelling, Cheledhara is expected to become a significant addition to contemporary Indian family thriller cinema, showcasing Swastika Mukherjee in yet another powerful and unconventional role.
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