It’s raining films for Mrunal Thakur, who is eagerly waiting for the release of the Shahid Kapoor-starrer Jersey in April and has also wrapped up the shoot of Pippa. The film, based on the book, The Burning Chaffees written by Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta of the 45th cavalry tank squadron, is directed by Raja Krishna Menon of Airlift fame. The war drama presents the Indo-Pak war of 1971 that led to the liberation of Bangladesh. While Thakur finished shooting for the Ishaan Khatter-starrer in “one stretch”, her co-stars shot the film over multiple schedules. “Since the film is set in 1971, I play a woman of that era. The experience has been different and [people will be] surprised to see me,” says the actor, who was thrilled that the makers considered her for a role that she never imagined herself doing.
Mrunal Thakur with director Raja Krishna Menon
Grateful to be able to narrate a story that is part of Indian history, Thakur says, “I feel people need to know about our history. I don’t feel any pressure doing period dramas. I take it as a compliment that the makers saw me pulling off such a role.” Thakur will be playing Khatter’s younger sibling in the period drama. “The only pressure I feel is to [stay in] character and give my 100 per cent,” adds the actor as she gears up for another period drama opposite Malayalam actor Dulquer Salmaan. “The film with Dulquer is a huge [deal for me]. Every frame looks like a painting.”
