The buzz around Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past is real! To find out more about the movie making waves, our very own Sandy caught up with Mimoh Chakraborty for a candid chat. From thanking the fans for their incredible support to sharing some exclusive insights, here is everything Mimoh had to say.
Sandy: Hello, Mimoh! The original Haunted 3D in 2011 was a massive, path-breaking milestone for Indian horror and a huge milestone for you, Mimoh. Coming back to this universe 15 years later for Haunted 3D – Echoes of the Past, how different was the mental prep to step back into the world of Dev?
Mimoh: Hi, Sandy! I believe everything happens at the right time. A story cannot be rushed. There was always a lingering echo, an idea, a possibility, that perhaps a sequel should be made. Vikram Bhatt sir had envisioned it, planned it, but he waited for the missing spark in the story.
Suddenly, one day, Vikram sir reached out, saying he had a script. I listened, completely absorbed, as he narrated the story. Every word resonated. This wasn’t just another attempt, this was the one we were waiting for! The feeling was undeniable and it meant only one thing: this story had to be made.
Sandy: What was the best part about reuniting with Vikram Bhatt on set after 15 years?
Mimoh: Vikram sir is a maestro and it has been more than just a great experience. He is not only a brilliant filmmaker but also an incredible human being. Being on set felt like being in a learning camp, an enriching experience that went beyond just work.
Vikram sir believes in simplicity and if something feels confusing, he takes time to explain it in the easiest way possible. That clarity makes all the difference. Every moment on set felt like a masterclass. His guidance, patience, and ability to make things seamless are remarkable.
Sandy: Vikram Bhatt’s films are known for pushing visual boundaries, and this sequel relies heavily on green screens, complex 3D tracking, and even AI tools to build it’s world. As an actor, how challenging is it to deliver a high-pitched horror performance when you are reacting to a green wall rather than a physical person?
Mimoh: As actors, we are used to props and working with all five senses. It was a beautiful challenge. It leaves everything to imagination and it turned out to be a great exercise in creativity and performance.
Certain scenes involved AI, which added another layer of challenge. It was all about finding the right balance between reality and imagination.
Some days we worked on real locations, and other days we performed in front of a 180-degree green screen. Despite these contrasts, every actor brought their best, and we all coexisted seamlessly.
Sandy: The film has sparked online discussion around the use of AI. How do you handle that scrutiny, and do you think critics and audience often overlook about making a 3D horror film on a tight budget and miss the sheer effort it takes to mount a 3D horror project?
Mimoh: Everyone has the right to their opinion. When I watch a film, I also go in with expectations. Sometimes they’re met, sometimes they’re not. But, I don’t believe in going online and spreading negativity or trolling. That’s just not my approach.
At the end of the day, I’m also a fan. As an audience member, you are buying a ticket for the final product but you are not a part of the journey, the process, or the challenges behind it. So I understand that people judge only what they see onscreen. But filmmaking is a complex, collaborative process. There’s effort, risk, and a long journey that audiences often don’t see. It’s also business, people invest time, money, and belief into it. How people react is entirely their personal choice. I can’t dictate what’s right or wrong for someone else.
Vikram sir himself has spoke about this on his post ‘from Hunted to Haunted’, and the journey of the Haunted series. It’s important that we also share our side of the story, so people get a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes.
Sandy: What makes the Haunted franchise unique is that it isn’t about jump scares, it blends the supernatural with sci-fi elements like time loops. What’s your favourite element of Dev’s storyline this time around that sets it apart from a standard ghost story?
Mimoh: What sets my character of Dev apart is the strong backstory narrated by Vikram sir. It clearly defined his motivation. Dev is a man who feels lost, constantly searching for meaning in his life. There’s always a missing piece, something incomplete within him.
On the surface, he seems to have everything at his fingertips, yet he isn’t happy. There is an emptiness he can’t escape. That inner void, his incomplete soul, is his greatest motivation.
Sandy: Mimoh, you have openly spoken about the ups and downs of an actor’s journey since your debut with Jimmy. With Haunted 3D – Echoes of the Past surprising the trade with its opening numbers despite a crowded box office, how sweet does this moment feel for you personally?
Mimoh: Other filmmakers too have done incredible work and it’s great to see the competition. I am glad that Haunted 3D – Echoes of the Past is doing a good job at the cinemas but in many ways, I have been in others shoes, so I understand how it feels when a film misses out on topping the list on the weekend collection. But, I do feel grateful that our work is being recognized too.
It’s like a David vs. Goliath story, Sandy. We were the underdogs, yet we believed in what we were making. There’s a certain spirit in taking that risk, pushing through challenges, and bringing the film to life.
For us, it was about making the impossible possible and standing by it, no matter what.
Sandy: What’s in the pipeline for Mimoh in the coming days?
Mimoh: I’m focusing on doing different and challenging roles. As an actor, I am drawn to characters that truly push me and resonate with me on a deeper level. I don’t believe in playing it safe. Rather, I’d take risks, explore new spaces, and keep evolving with every role.
My hits have been both versions of Haunted, which belong to the horror genre. Now, I want to move away from that and explore a different genre of films.
Sandy: You’ve worked in South cinema, and your wife Madalasa Sharma is a well-known name in the South film industry. Can we expect to see the two of you collaborate on a South film? Maybe even share screen space soon?
Mimoh: If the right opportunity comes along, we’re absolutely open to it. I’m always excited to collaborate with the South film industry. It has such rich storytelling and incredible talent. So yes, Sandy, if something exciting comes my way, I’m all in and ready to embrace it.
Quick Shot Round:
- Haunted 3D green-screen acting or playing a high-difficulty video game in the dark? Haha! I’d pick green-screen acting any day. I cannot play horror games. I did play resident evil and it was woahhh..haha!
- If you had to remake one of your father Mithun Da’s films, which one would you choose? It has to be Phool aur Angaar
- A romantic date night with a ghost or a time-loop where you can rectify your past mistake? I am a horror junkie but I’ll choose time-loop. I like time travel and I love space
- Action-hero Mimoh or Psychological-thriller Mimoh? Action Hero
- PlayStation or Xbox? You got me with this one, haha! I’ll go with Xbox
- If you could use a Haunted time-loop to fix one mistake in your life, what would it be? Fix my hair color in my debut film Jimmy 🙂
- Who is the bigger dramebaaz (in the right sense) on the Haunted sets – You, Chetna Pande, or Vikram Bhatt? Vikram sir and he used to do it on purpose because horror genre takes a toll, and he used to make the atmosphere breezy
- One rumour about yourself that you wish was actually true: There are no rumours about me, haha!
- If your life was a video game, what would the title of the game be? Call of Duty
- Your absolute, go-to cheat meal? Maggie
- Describe the Haunted 3D shoot in a word or sentence: Love letter to the fans
- The most annoying habit of yours that you’d like to change: Sometimes I am monotonous and a man of routine. Maybe, I can do something different sometimes
- What’s scares you in real life? Heights! Till the 7th or 8th floor it’s fine.
- Define love: It’s about showing up, understanding, and being consistent
Sandy: Mimoh, it’s been an absolute pleasure talking to you. Congratulations again on the massive success of Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past. I wish you nothing but the best for everything ahead!
Mimoh: Thank you so much, Sandy. Great talking to you!
Sandy (to readers): And to everyone watching, make sure to catch Haunted 3D in theaters if you haven’t already. For more exclusive interviews and updates, keep it locked right here to TheHyderabadLocal.com. See you next time!
Follow Mimoh @mimohchakraborty
Follow Sandy @blabwithsandy