Byomkesh Bakshi is my most expensive film: Dibakar Banerjee

"After Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006), I wanted to make Byomkesh Bakshi but the producers didn’t trust me with such a big project. Now, after five movies, I’m ready for this experience, which will also be my most expensive film."

Dibakar Banerjee, who is busy working on his film, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (DBB), talks about his most ambitious project.

Why a film on Byomkesh?
As a kid, I used to feel a strange thrill when I read Byomkesh Bakshi stories. I wanted to make it since I was 14 and now, after having made other films, I wanted that thrill back. I want to hook the audiences with a rich, layered detective story.

Why didn’t you make it earlier?
After Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006), I wanted to make DBB but the producers didn’t trust me with such a big project. Now, after five movies, I’m ready for this experience, which will also be my most expensive film. It’s a film set in 1942 and will need VFX (visual effects) too.

What about Sushant impressed you enough to cast him?
Sushant is a noteworthy actor who left his TV serial at its peak and entered the uncharted territory of films and became successful. That is commendable. He’s intense, methodical, talented and hard-working. It’s challenging to make a a heartthrob like him into a convincing period character.

How are the two of you preparing for the role?
Sushant and I have been walking the streets of Kolkata. We went to Chinatown, and spent time with Bengali families, eating with them and getting to know how they live and behave. We also watched Bengali films. This will help him understand the vibe of the city. He’ll be better able to play the role of a young Byomkesh of 1942.