The bustling streets of Kolkata have once again become a cinematic canvas as actors Kalki Koechlin and Parambrata Chattopadhyay dive into filming their much-anticipated web series, Kahar. Directed by Gauravv K Chawla, the project marks a significant return to the City of Joy after production hurdles necessitated a temporary detour to Mumbai.
From Mumbai to Kolkata: A Shooting Schedule Revised
The production journey for Kahar has been eventful. The team, hailing from Mumbai, landed in Kolkata on January 2 for a compact four-day shooting schedule. This marks a pivotal moment, as the series was initially conceived as a 42-day shoot entirely in Kolkata. However, plans were disrupted due to a reported disagreement between actor Parambrata Chattopadhyay and the local Federation. This tiff compelled the production to temporarily relocate its base to Mumbai before making this strategic return to complete specific portions.
On the Ground: Scenes from College Street and Baghbazar
The recent filming has captured the essence of Kolkata's iconic locales. On Sunday, the team was in action across the city. While a few character artistes shot scenes in Bantala, the lead pair was spotted bringing their roles to life in the intellectual hub of College Street and the historic neighbourhood of Baghbazar. The filming continued on Monday, with Kalki Koechlin shooting solo sequences in Baghbazar. The schedule anticipated the rejoining of Parambrata Chattopadhyay from Tuesday.
Co-Star Chemistry and Culinary Bonds
Despite Kahar being their first collaborative project, the on-set rapport between the lead actors feels effortless. Parambrata Chattopadhyay shared his experience of working with Kalki, stating, "Shooting with Kalki is fun. This is our first project together but it does not feel like it. She truly lives every moment of the scenes." The camaraderie extended beyond the script, with Parambrata introducing Kalki to local Bengali flavours during the College Street shoot. He revealed, "I asked the team to get her kochuri and torkari, and she absolutely loved it." This blend of professional synergy and cultural exchange underscores the filming atmosphere.
The successful resumption of the Kolkata schedule for Kahar indicates that the earlier production challenges have been navigated. For fans of nuanced storytelling and these accomplished actors, the web series, shaped by its real-world filming odyssey, promises to be a compelling watch. The team's ability to adapt and return to the intended visual landscape of Kolkata adds an intriguing layer to the project's narrative.
