Actress Auroshikha Dey has worked in movies like Nushrratt Bharuccha starrer ‘Chatrapathi’, The Warrior Queen Of Jhansi, Charlie Ke chakkar Mein, and many more. She has also worked in web series like Damaged and Flesh.

She worked in director Hemwant Tiwari’s ‘Lomad’ which is the world’s first Black and White Single Take Film. The movie has won several critical accolades at film festivals and it has been the official selection at film festivals like Chigaco South Asian Film Festival 2021, Boston International Film Festival, International Film Festival of Melbourne 2021, and One Take Film Festival 2021 to name a few.

The Kolkata Mail correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up with the actress in an exclusive chat about the film. Excerpts..

How was the experience of working in the world’s first black-and-white single-take film?

Auroshikha Dey- I had a great experience working on this film. My director Hemwant Tiwari, shared the idea of Lomad with me, I was amazed and intrigued. But it was at a very nascent stage. Finally, when he narrated the entire story of the film, I promptly decided to be a part of this magical journey because I knew we were going to create history.

Can you tell us about the preparation you have gone through while essaying your character in the film? Also, tell us a bit about your character.

Auroshikha Dey- We rehearsed for 6 months. Being a one-take film, we had to do a lot of practice for the final take. It’s just not about the dialogues, but the light that you need to catch and the camera angle to focus on as you jump from one scene to another flawlessly and with no cuts and no editing. I play a very interesting character in Lomad. I can’t talk much about my part because it will spoil the reality of the character. All I can say, I am thrilled to be a part of this incredible movie that will take you on a journey you won’t forget.

Why did you agree to do this film?

Auroshikha Dey- As an actor, I’m always looking for roles that challenge me to push my boundaries. And that’s exactly how Lomad happened. My director, Hemwant Tiwari, came up with this unique concept and an interesting storyline. It was a great experience being able to fulfill his vision as a director.

How was shooting different for this film when compared to the other films you have done?

Auroshikha Dey- Every film that I have done has come with its own challenges and opportunities, and I have enjoyed going through the experience in each of them. Having said that, Lomad is the world’s first black-and-white single-take feature film. So for 90 minutes, the camera was rolling and the actors were performing nonstop. And because of this, it required a lot of preparation because there were no retakes.

Did you face any challenges while shooting the film?

Auroshikha Dey- The biggest challenge was to be in sync with the camera and the space because if you forget your lines, you can improvise. But if you don’t come to the right spot, then you miss the camera and you start from the top again. So everyone needs to truly work as one unit.

The film has won several awards. What were your expectations from the film when it was released in India? Are you satisfied with the response?

Auroshikha Dey- I was definitely nervous and excited at the same time since I had poured my heart and soul into creating something unique and I’m deeply satisfied with the response. I’m also very happy and thankful to the critics and the audience for giving us all the love and support. Lomad has now (25th August) released in Kolkata at Mani Square Mall and I’m hoping for the same level of love and support from everyone. Thank you.