Actor-producer and writer Harman Baweja has reflected on Bhagwat: Chapter One – Raakshas as the crime thriller completes a year. Looking back at the film, Baweja spoke about bringing Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar, popularly known as Jeetu, together and the contrasting characters they portrayed.
Directed by Akshay Shere, Bhagwat: Chapter One – Raakshas was backed by Jio Studios and released on ZEE5. The film follows Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat, played by Arshad Warsi, as he investigates the disappearance of a young woman in a small town in Uttar Pradesh. His investigation eventually leads him to a larger trail of missing women and a man concealing a darker side.
For Baweja, the casting of Warsi and Jeetu was one of the aspects that stood out about the film. Warsi played an investigating officer, while Jeetu took on a darker role that was different from some of his more familiar screen appearances.
“Looking back at Bhagwat a year later, I think one of the most interesting things about the film was bringing Arshad and Jeetu together. They both have such distinct identities as actors, and asking them to step into characters that audiences hadn't quite seen them play before was exciting,” Baweja said.
He also spoke about the approach taken by both actors to their respective roles. “Arshad brought a certain depth and honesty to Inspector Bhagwat, while Jeetu explored a much darker space, which was very different from the characters people have come to associate him with. What made it work was the way they both understood their characters and brought them to life,” he added.
Harman Baweja on Bhagwat's audience response
According to Baweja, audiences responded positively to the pairing of Warsi and Jeetu, and critics also appreciated their performances. “Their pairing was received well by audiences, and it was encouraging to see their performances appreciated by both audiences and critics,” he said.
Baweja also acknowledged Jio Studios' and ZEE5's role in taking the film to audiences beyond its initial release. “With Jio Studios backing the film and its strong performance on ZEE5, it was encouraging to see the story find its audience beyond its initial release as well,” he said.
Reflecting on the film from a producer and filmmaker's perspective, Baweja said that seeing a casting decision connect with viewers was particularly satisfying. “As a filmmaker and producer, it's always satisfying when a casting choice you believe in comes together on screen and the audience connects with the vision. A year later, that's something I look back at with a lot of satisfaction,” he said.
Baweja Studios has continued to work across genres, with projects including Mrs and Haq. Its upcoming slate includes Dil Ka Darwaaza Kholo Na Darling and Jugaadu, while Captain India is currently in production.
More Pages: Bhagwat - Chapter One: Raakshas Box Office Collection , Bhagwat - Chapter One: Raakshas Movie Review
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