Exclusive: Sushmita Sen’s daughter Renée to make her film debut in Kabeer Khurana’s Suttabaazi

Actress Sushmita Sen’s daughter Renée is ready to make her big-screen debut with director Kabeer Khurana’s Suttabaazi. The film, which begins shooting tomorrow, is likely headed for a digital release.  

The 21-year-old will play the lead in the film set in a locked-down world. Suttabaazi focuses on a mother and daughter who are at odds with one another in a conservative and bigoted household. According to the makers, the feature will explore the theme of women's empowerment and the sense of rapprochement between the two.

Renée will essay the role of a rebellious, misfit teenager ready to take on the world, while actress Komal Chhabria and Rahul Vohra will play her parents.

Oscar nominee Emiliano Mazzenga, who is based in Hollywood. will compose the film’s score, while filmmaker Pratik Rajen Kothari is a creative associate on the project. The feature is being produced by Ramneek Sawhney, Simran Lakhanpal and Pankaj Rungta.

Lakhanpal said that the film has a deeper underlying meaning. "You need to scratch below the surface. Our cast is a brilliant ensemble of actors. Rahul Vohra and Komal Chhabria are veterans. We are proud to launch Renée Sen, whose vibrancy is infectious,” she said.

Speaking about the film, Sawhney stated, “Suttabaazi is a breakthrough in beliefs and relationships. It's when the impossible becomes possible. This is beautifully portrayed by the actors who are all very dissimilar to each other. Renee Sen's energetic portrayal as the carefree youngster is in direct contrast to her old-school parents played by veteran actors Rahul Vohra and Komal Chhabra. There is a buzz in the air as we are excited to announce the launch of Renée Sen."

Khurana, whose short film Hangout premiered on Disney+ Hotstar last week, said he was excited about the film going on floors tomorrow morning. "As of now, don't have much to share as the film is currently underway, but I'd just like to say that I'm most of all enthused about working with an excellent cast," he said.

Shedding light on the plot, Chhabria said the film echoes the current situation of a regular household in Mumbai. "The story is interesting as it delves into the struggle of a woman finding her own identity, as well as dealing with an errant kid and a dominating husband," the actress said.