Mouni Roy on ‘Salakaar’: Every Scene Demanded Nuance and Depth

Mumbai: Actress Mouni Roy has opened up about her upcoming spy thriller Salakaar, sharing how the script’s unique ability to blend political suspense with deeply personal moments drew her to the project.

"Joining Salakaar allowed me to explore a world I’d never entered before," Mouni said. "The intensity of the narrative and the emotional depth of the characters pushed me to grow as an artist."

She continued, “What captivated me most was how the story seamlessly weaves political intrigue with intimate, human emotions. Every scene required a deep focus on subtlety and complexity, which made the entire process incredibly fulfilling.”

Directed by Faruk Kabir and produced by Sphereorigins and Mahir Films, Salakaar is an espionage thriller set to premiere on August 8.

Reflecting on the filming experience, Mouni added, “The camaraderie on set and the unified vision of the team made this journey unforgettable. I’m eager for audiences to see a different side of me and to experience a story that’s as thrilling as it is meaningful.”

The teaser, unveiled on Monday, spans two timelines — 1978 and 2025 — and follows the gripping tale of an Indian spy whose past comes back to haunt the present. With a blend of history and suspense, the series treats intelligence as its most powerful weapon.

The series also stars Naveen Kasturia, Mukesh Rishi, and Surya Sharma.

Inspired by true events, Salakaar tells the story of a decorated Indian spymaster who, through courage and critical intelligence, uncovers a secret nuclear facility in Pakistan and thwarts enemy plans to safeguard national security.

Director and co-writer Faruk Kabir described the series as “an intense spy thriller with a powerful emotional backbone. It tells the story of an extraordinary Indian spy — not through high-octane action, but through strategy, intellect, and silent sacrifice.”

He praised the cast, saying, “Working with Naveen, Mukesh ji, and Mouni was an incredible experience. They truly embodied their roles and brought so much depth to their characters. Salakaar is my tribute to the unsung heroes who fought not with guns, but with brilliance.”

Actor Naveen Kasturia called the project an enormous challenge. “Portraying a highly alert, undercover operative living under constant threat was a unique experience. One wrong move could mean capture — or worse,” he said.

“Physically, this was my first action role, and it was extremely demanding. But Faruk Kabir’s passion and vision guided me through it,” Naveen added.

Veteran actor Mukesh Rishi said Salakaar is unlike any spy thriller he has encountered. “It’s a project that emphasizes strategy, silence, and sacrifice over brute force. The script felt incredibly real, and the characters had remarkable depth.”

He praised the director’s work, saying, “Faruk Kabir has crafted something special — grounded in reality yet cinematic in scale. Collaborating with such a dedicated cast and crew made it an even richer experience. This story lingers in your mind not just for what happens, but for the reasons and the cost behind it.”

Salakaar begins streaming August 8 on JioHotstar.

With inputs from IANS