MUMBAI : 1. Murder mysteries are in trend these days. How do you think Rautu Ka Raaz will stand out among others?
'Rautu Ka Raaz' stands out among many murder mysteries due to its unique approach. Unlike other murder mysteries, where there's a rush to solve the crime, this film progresses deliberately and slowly. Apart from Nawazuddin's character, everyone else harbors an inner doubt that there might not be a murder at all, leading many to resist the idea. Only one person is actively trying to solve the mystery, which results in a slow and methodical investigation. The layers of the story unfold gradually, adding to the intrigue. The film's pace is characterized by a slow rhythm, allowing the story to develop at its own unhurried speed. This deliberate striding sets it apart and makes it an inimitable viewing experience. It's this slow and steady unraveling of the plot that makes 'Rautu Ka Raaz' a must-watch for audiences looking for something different in the murder mystery genre.

2.This is your first time working with Anand Surapur. How important is it for your vision to match with the director's vision? What was so unique about working with Anand?
 

Ultimately, as actors, we are tasked with portraying the director's vision. So, there needs to be an open communication to understand precisely what they are aiming for. It's like being a trolley while the director is the drone, overseeing everything and fitting you into the character and storytelling. Building a strong rapport with the director is crucial. Anand, in particular, is a welcoming director who embraces improvisation. The only challenge is his preference for English, so he often searches for Hindi words. Anand and I had a great rapport where we brainstormed how to approach scenes differently and experiment with dialogues. He creates such a relaxed atmosphere on set; I've never had as much fun in my 25 years of acting as I did on the set of 'Rautu ka Raaz' because of him. The schedule was incredibly relaxed, starting at 7:00 a.m. and typically wrapping up by 4:30 p.m. It couldn't have been better. Working with directors like Anand keeps the essence of cinema alive and offers ample learning opportunities

3.How did you prepare for this role in terms of the language/character / etc?
 

In terms of language preparation for this role, I had a slight advantage because I completed my schooling in Dehradun. So, I had a bit of an understanding of how people in Uttarakhand speak, which saved me from having to work too hard on that aspect. However, I still practiced with the locals to recall how they spoke and how I used to speak in Dehradun. It felt natural to me as if I had been doing it in the film all along. As for the physicality of the role, I was already in the midst of shooting for 'Haddi' where I had a partially shaved head. During the filming of 'Rautu Ka Raz,' I had a crew cut, giving me a look reminiscent of a police officer, which, coupled with my facial features, made me resemble someone from Uttarakhand. Adding the tika on the forehead further enhanced the character. Moreover, the script itself was so well-written that I didn't feel the need for much improvisation or additional work. I just had to flow with the scenes and the work, and that's how I was prepared.

'Rautu Ka Raaz' on ZEE5 promises a distinct, methodical approach to the murder mystery genre, showcasing Nawazuddin Siddiqui's