Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has shared insights about reprising his role in “Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders.”
A Journey of Growth
In an exclusive statement, he described the experience as a transformative journey. Nawazuddin mentioned that returning to the role after several years required him to reflect on his own personal evolution as well as the character’s development. He said, “Jatil isn’t the same man anymore. Life changes you. Time changes you. Cases change you. But the one thing that hasn’t changed is his relationship with the truth.”
Commitment to Truth
He emphasized that Jatil approaches each case with the same objectivity and instinct he’s known for. “No matter how much pressure he faces, or who stands in his way, he doesn’t walk away from the truth,” he stated.
Internal Depth
Discussing the demands of his role this time, Nawazuddin expressed, “Jatil is not a man who shows you what he’s feeling. Everything is beneath the surface. To play someone like that, you have to sit quietly. You have to let the silences work especially when you are a small town cop, standing in the face of authority. As is all too familiar in our country.”
Personal Challenges
The ‘Haddi’ actor further elaborated that the process was both challenging and personal. “He still carries his past. He still struggles with it. And that becomes part of how he sees this new case. As an actor, reprising the same role after such a long period requires you to dig deep and remind yourself of the person that you were and how both you and the character have evolved,” he noted.
Working with Honey Trehan
On collaborating with director Honey Trehan again, Nawazuddin remarked, “Honey understands the world of this film in a very sensitive way. His direction is subtle but very precise. There’s a discipline in the way he builds tension, with silence, with pauses, with what’s not being said.”
Film Details
“Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders” premiered at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) last month and had its global release on Netflix on December 19.