Rajeev Khandelwal faces the challenge of shooting in a jungle in the monsoon for Naxalbari

Actor Rajeev Khandelwal has begun shooting for the web-series Naxalbari, earlier titled Naxal. Directed by Partho Mitra, the show is an eight-part series which will see Khandelwal play the role of a special task force (STF) officer, Raghav.

As the name of the web-series suggests, the show revolves around the issue of left-wing extremism and will be shot in the jungles of Maharashtra as well as in some metropolitan cities.

Talking about resuming work, Khandelwal said in a statement, 'Yes, we have started shooting for Naxalbari here in Goa and we are doing as much as we can to follow the precautionary measures and SOPs [standard operating procedures] on the set. It is always a great feeling to be back after a hiatus and meet and work with fellow crew members.'

The actor also pointed out that a lot has changed in the post-COVID-19 period. 'The world has changed and we are quickly adjusting and accepting the new normal,' his statement said. 'We are one of the few web-series that have started shooting and hope that we are able to achieve success despite the challenging and hostile circumstances.'

Revealing some details about his character and the preparations he has gone through, Khandelwal's statement said, 'I am playing an STF agent in the web-series and you need to embody that character because it has so much intensity. Sturdiness is a natural ask for it and keeping a moustache is something I have done for the very first time. Hope the viewers approve of it. The bigger challenge is balancing sophistication with the right degree of intensity; it has to be effortless. All in all, it is going to be a huge task for the director Partho Mitra.'

Khandelwal mentioned the challenges involved in shooting in the jungles during the monsoon with a dash of wry humour. 'The most interesting part of shooting right now is the action scenes in the dense jungles in the rain with muck and slush all around. The friendly company of worms, birds and, occasionally, a few slithering reptiles adds to the fun and adventure. From dawn to dusk, it is a complete new experience in itself.'

The show, which also stars Tina Datta, Sreejita Dey, Satyadeep Mishra, Shakti Anand and Aamir Ali, will arrive on Zee5 later this year.