New Indo-American Co-Production "Chheledhora" Set to Begin Filming

"Chheledhora," a Bengali-language thriller directed by Shieladitya Moulik, is set to commence principal photography on March 1, 2026. The film, an Indo-American co-production, will be shot in Itanagar and Ziro, located in Arunachal Pradesh, India. The narrative follows Brishti, portrayed by Swastika Mukherjee, a divorced woman who impulsively takes her daughter for a birthday celebration, only to discover that the child has genuinely been abducted. This incident triggers a series of events that lead Brishti on a transformative journey. Moulik describes the film as a blend of family drama, thriller elements, and dark humor, focusing on the complexities of flawed characters and their capacity for love and redemption.

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Swastika Mukherjee, known for her diverse roles in projects such as "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!" and "Paatal Lok," plays the lead role of Brishti. Moulik, who has previously directed films like "Sweater" and "Surjo," emphasizes the film's exploration of motherhood, forgiveness, and personal growth. The production is co-produced by Handyyman and Sita22 Films. Handyyman has a history of projects including the streaming show "Hawa Badle Hassu," while Sita22 Films is a new venture founded by Anindita (Ann) Mukherjee, who brings extensive corporate experience to the film industry.

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Protiqe Mojoomdar of Handyyman expressed a strong connection to the script, noting its emotional depth and commercial appeal, particularly with Mukherjee attached to the project. Ann Mukherjee highlighted the film's focus on women and children, aiming to portray their vulnerabilities and strengths. She stated, “Funding and co-producing this film reflects the kind of socially-conscious, emotionally-layered stories I want my new production company to champion.”

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The cinematography will be led by Italian cinematographer Vincenzo Condorelli, known for his work on "Cobalt Blue." The production team also includes various experienced professionals in key roles, such as line producer Suven Kumar Das and production designer Somanwita Bhattacharya.

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Filming is expected to continue through the end of March 2026, with additional casting announcements anticipated. The film aims to target the international festival circuit, reflecting its ambition to reach a global audience.

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While the film has garnered interest for its themes and production quality, there has been limited public dissent regarding its narrative focus on flawed characters. However, as the project progresses, it may attract varying opinions on its portrayal of sensitive subjects such as motherhood and personal trauma.

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• “‘Chheledhora’ is a story about broken parents discovering the courage and selflessness they didn’t know they possessed,” — Shieladitya Moulik, Director

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• “Brishti is not an easy woman to like, and that’s what moved me,” — Swastika Mukherjee, Lead Actress

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• “Johnson and Pernod Ricard, I’ve seen how creativity is the oxygen to growth.” — Ann Mukherjee, Co-Producer

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The film "Chheledhora" represents a significant collaboration between Indian and American filmmakers, aiming to deliver a poignant narrative that resonates with audiences worldwide.

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