Not Just a Cop Story: Amit Sadh and Esha Deol Dive Into the Emotional Depth of ‘Pratap’
Amit Sadh and Esha Deol open up about the action drama Pratap, exploring the emotional struggles of a cop's family.
The first look at the upcoming action drama Pratap has finally arrived. With the unveiling of the trailer, audiences have been given a glimpse into a narrative that promises to be more than just a typical police procedural. Starring Amit Sadh and Esha Deol, the film aims to peel back the layers of a law enforcement officer's life, focusing heavily on the emotional toll and struggles faced by the family standing behind the uniform.
Amit Sadh: Embracing Complexity and Fragility
For Amit Sadh, the role of Pratap was an irresistible challenge. Speaking about his attraction to the project, the actor revealed his preference for characters that possess psychological depth and internal conflict.
"As an actor, we always look for a challenge. I always like characters who have a lot of complexity. I like the fragility, the complexity of human beings, and where your psychology, your principles, your value system are questioned," Sadh shared.
The actor credited director Sachin Saraf's script for offering a fresh perspective. He noted that the role required a completely new body language and a different emotional palette, ensuring that the performance would be a departure from his previous work.
Moving Beyond 'Breathe'
Interestingly, Sadh recalled a specific request from the director during their first meeting. Having gained significant acclaim for his role as Sawant in the series Breathe across three seasons, Sadh was told that the director wanted something entirely different.
Saraf explicitly stated that he didn't want the "Breathe version" of the actor for this film. This directive sparked a creative journey to define a new kind of cop—one that felt distinct and grounded in the specific world of Pratap.
Esha Deol on Women's Strength and Family Pillars
Esha Deol, who portrays Poonam, the wife of Pratap, believes the film will resonate deeply with audiences due to its realistic portrayal of human relationships. She emphasized that while the male lead's role is wonderful, the film's heart lies in the people who support the hero.
Deol highlighted that the story examines the lived experiences of a cop's spouse and child, exploring the uncertainty and pressure they endure. "The focus is also on his family, his pillars... what a son would go through, what a wife goes through," she explained.
A Message of Empowerment
For Deol, taking on the role of Poonam was a conscious career choice. She expressed a desire to portray mature female characters who carry a powerful message for women in general.
She reflected on the inherent strength of women, stating that the film explores how a woman maintains her power and moves forward when her world is suddenly turned upside down. To her, the role is a tribute to the resilience of women who navigate the challenges of being married to those in high-stress professions.
A Different Take on the Uniform
Both actors agreed that cinema often overlooks the domestic side of those serving in the armed forces or police. While movies frequently showcase the bravery of commandos and officers, the emotional vacuum and the strain on the home front are rarely the central focus.
Amit Sadh noted that with more women entering the police force and becoming commandos, it is more important than ever to show the human side of these heroes. Esha Deol echoed this sentiment, saluting all real-life police officers as true heroes, while maintaining that Pratap is far from an "ordinary cop's story."
Director-writer Sachin Saraf further added that the highlight of the film is the entire life cycle of the character, set against the backdrop of an Indian city.