Wishing every woman in Bengal should be Arundhati, Hemlock Society actor Koel Mallick says she finds the image of warrior princess in the resurrection drama topical for today's woman, in the first women-centric mainstream fikm Arundhati.
"In the trailer I am seen as zooming through the clouds with sword in hand. I had taken part in physical combat scenes sans body double. I had practiced horse riding to perfect the look and acts," Koel said here.
"Despite not having any ready references for the fictional character I could deliver in the shootings I guess. Being a woman you know how to exert your inner strength, your resilience. More than physical strength, mental toughness is all the more important for a woman in certain situations I guess," Koel said about her role.
Acknowledging that such roles were unthinkable, pitting a woman in the centrestage of action, till a couple of years back, at least in masala genre, Koel said, "This has happened with the change of mindset, even among the audience and the change in audience profile."
"More than special effects, period costumes and high drama, Arundhati silenly but succinctly asserts about the "Beauty of Power" manifest in every woman - me and the one you see in everyday life."
"If we worship the Mother Goddess, Durga, who vanquishes the demon, why should that be ritualistic only? " the Rangbaz actor said.
"The carefree, bold, uninhibited 'tandava' dance by the warrior princess also symbolized the empowerment of women. It was the freedom from the Royal patriarchy to take on Kalrudra, the demon," Koel said about her role in the film, heavily drawing from mythology.
Produced by Shree Venkatesh and Surinder Films, Arundhati will be released soon.
