Gauri - Thrill, chill & spill

Rituparna Sengupta may still have a long way to go in Bollywood but the lady has been fast in picking up the ways of Mumbaiya stardom. The actress arrived a full hour-and-a half late to promote her Hindi film Gauri — The Unborn at Priya on Monday.

"Gauri is a supernatural thriller with a difference. Although horror forms the basis of the plot, the film also tells an emotional story of a close-knit family," smiled Rituparna, flanked by co-star Atul Kulkarni and producer Amit Mohan. Gauri is the directorial debut of Aku Akbar.

For Atul, the "unique" script of Gauri was the clincher. "Gauri is built on a fantastic script. The thrill, chill and spill will keep the viewer hooked," said the Rang De Basanti man, now without his trademark moustache.

"The manner in which a story is told is very important and Gauri has been made keeping that in mind. Its strength lies in its special effects and brilliant camera work," chipped in Amit Mohan, who along with his producer father R. Mohan, has churned out films like Chandni Bar and Gardish.

Rituparna plays a young mother in Gauri who has an abortion early in her marriage with Atul. Years later, the soul of the aborted foetus returns to haunt their life.

"I had heard about Rituparna, the Bengal tigress, and was happy when I was offered Gauri with Ritu as my co-star. I had seen Main Meri Patni Aur Woh and loved her performance in the film," said Atul, all smiles. "Our families are very close to each other. Atul is one of the most talented actors I have worked with," is how Rituparna chose to pay the compliment back.

Set for an all-India release on November 30, Gauri will have tough competition from Madhuri Dixit's comeback vehicle Aaja Nachle.

"Aaja Nachle and Gauri belong to two different genres. Strong word-of-mouth publicity is what will work in Gauri's favour," said a confident Atul.

"Gauri is the kind of film that a person will recommend to 25 others after watching it," promised Rituparna, who is currently on a signing spree in Mumbai. She has a flood of Hindi films — Love Game, Saab Chai Paani and Mittal vs Mittal — up for release.

"People in Mumbai have started recognising that I am a good actress and I am getting good offers," signed off Rituparna, hoping to match the success of Main Meri Patni Aur Woh.