Chitrangda Singh, known for her compelling performances, is currently making headlines for her role in Netflix's upcoming crime thriller, "Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders," the sequel to the popular "Raat Akeli Hai". In a recent exclusive interview, Singh shared her insights on how the rise of OTT platforms has significantly reshaped the landscape of Indian cinema, creating opportunities that were previously unimaginable.
"We would have never seen 'Sacred Games,' 'The Family Man,' and...", Chitrangda stated, highlighting the groundbreaking nature of content that has emerged from streaming services. She emphasized that OTT platforms have provided a space for bolder and more experimental storytelling, allowing filmmakers to delve into narratives that might not have found a place in traditional cinema. According to Singh, OTT platforms are "a little more brave to experiment" and offer "allowance for realism".
Singh's own career trajectory reflects this shift. While she has been a part of Bollywood for many years, she acknowledges that OTT has widened the scope for her as an actress. "I feel I took a lot of time to do something for digital, the kind of talent I am getting to work [with] here is outstanding," she said. This sentiment echoes her earlier statements about the rarity of meaningful female characters in the industry, suggesting that OTT platforms are offering more substantial roles for women. Singh noted that OTT is "definitely writing" more content, which is encouraging, though she also pointed out that deeply emotional and thoughtful character development is still relatively uncommon.
In "Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders," Singh plays a pivotal role as Meera, a woman grappling with immense responsibility and inner conflict as she runs her family's media house. A tragedy strikes, and Meera finds herself caught between overwhelming emotions and difficult moral choices. Singh describes Meera as living "a broken kind of life," caught between her responsibilities and overwhelming emotions. She questions how morally corrupt she is willing to become to protect her people, especially with the power to distort the truth that comes with running a media house.
Initially, Singh was considered for a song in the first "Raat Akeli Hai," but that plan was dropped when the film went to OTT. Years later, she now plays a central role in the sequel, embodying a heartbroken mother conveying untold grief. The film also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Rajat Kapoor, Deepti Naval, Ila Arun, Revathy, Sanjay Kapoor and Akhilendra Mishra.
"Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders" explores themes of power, privilege, morality, and truth, weaving a tense story that reflects uncomfortable social realities. Singh believes that social commentary is an important part of the film. The narrative revolves around a brutal murder within the affluent Bansal family in Kanpur, pulling Inspector Jatil Yadav (played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui) into a dark investigation. The film promises higher stakes and a faster pace, with each character adding a new layer to the mystery.
Chitrangda Singh's insights highlight the transformative impact of OTT platforms on Indian cinema, offering new avenues for storytelling, performance, and social commentary. As she steps into her role in "Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders," she exemplifies the evolving landscape of entertainment and the opportunities it presents for actors and audiences alike.
