Rakshak: India’s Braves actress Mrinal Navell: OTT is a revolutionary force that's reshaping our perception of cinema and filmmaking

Rakshak: India’s Braves actress Mrinal Navell: OTT is a revolutionary force that’s reshaping our perception of cinema and filmmaking

August 23, 2023

Rakshak India’s Braves actress Mrinal Navell

Mrinal Navell will be seen in Rakshak: India’s Braves. She is playing the sister of the lead in the series that also stars Varun Mitra, Kanika Mann, Mrinal Kulkarni, and Mohit Chauhan.

“The narrative revolves around Lieutenant Triveni Singh, who valiantly sacrificed her life to save numerous others, emerging as a hero,” says the actor.

Talking about her preparation for the part, she adds, “I delved into the lives of army families, particularly those of soldiers who have sacrificed for their nation. I researched how these families cope with their circumstances, their responses upon receiving news, and the remarkable strength they exhibit despite their losses. It was an emotionally charged process, observing how they maintain their pride even after losing a son, a brother, a husband, or a father. This exploration was deeply impactful on multiple levels. The project provided me with the chance to gain insights into the lives of these heroes and their families.”

OTT platforms boast a broader viewership due to their convenience in comparison to traditional theaters, feels Mrinal. She is of the opinion that the need to spend substantial amounts on theater tickets and allocate time for just a two-hour movie is eliminated with OTT platforms. (Mrinal Navell)

“A subscription opens the door to a plethora of movies and web series, making content consumption more flexible. Moreover, OTT platforms are exceptionally accessible and cater to individuals across various income brackets. From an actor’s perspective, OTT platforms hold immense significance. They have played a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity by embracing actors of diverse backgrounds. The conventional notion of conforming to hero or heroine archetypes is no longer a prerequisite. Irrespective of colour, age, language, or origin, one can establish themselves as an actor based on their skill and talent.

This authenticity sets OTT content apart from mainstream cinema. This facet is particularly meaningful to actors like myself who lack industry connections and aren’t cast in high-budget productions overnight. The realm of OTT offers us a fruitful avenue. Personally, my involvement in an Amazon mini-TV movie was a remarkable opportunity. Lacking a background in the movie industry and with limited acting experience, I was afforded the chance based on my suitability for the role. In a similar vein, I regard OTT as a revolutionary force that’s reshaping our perception of cinema and filmmaking. Its transformative impact is undeniable, presenting a contemporary and versatile approach to content consumption and production,” she shares.

So will you play a bold character on OTT? “At this juncture, I might not be inclined towards it. However, if it holds significance for the project—being authentic and essential—I would consider exploring the possibility. Conversely, I don’t advocate for gratuitous nudity or explicit intimate scenes. My stance is clear on that matter. Nevertheless, if the context demands it, if it aligns with authenticity, and if it’s executed thoughtfully, I wouldn’t hesitate, as my role as an actor involves portraying characters rather than myself,” she answers.

Mrinal’s primary source of content is OTT platforms. “My visits to theaters have become infrequent, as I now await the availability of movies on OTT due to the considerable costs associated with theaters. The ticket prices alone are often around 500 to 600 rupees per person, combined with the additional expense of popcorn (around 600 rupees), and the transportation to and from the cinema, make it a rather costly affair. I reserve trips to the theater for exceptional movies or personal favourites. Otherwise, my preference lies in watching series. The realm of series boasts authentic and well-crafted work. In today’s landscape, being both a discerning audience and a proficient actor entails immersing oneself in OTT series,” she says.