Acclaimed casting director Honey Trehan opens up about the fascinating journey behind his directorial debut, *Raat Akeli Hai*, revealing how Irrfan Khan was initially set to star, the film’s noir inspirations, and exciting details about its upcoming sequel.
Bringing a Gritty Thriller to Life
Honey Trehan, renowned in Bollywood as a sought-after casting director for two decades, made his directorial splash with *Raat Akeli Hai* in 2020. This Netflix original, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte, was more than just a whodunit.
Styled like an Agatha Christie mystery, the film delved into deeper societal horrors, exploring themes of patriarchy, caste, and complicity within an Indian context. Trehan was instantly captivated by Smita Singh’s screenplay, which originated as her diploma project at FTII.
Irrfan Khan’s Near Miss and Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Return
Before *Raat Akeli Hai*, Trehan was slated to debut with a larger project, a film based on Sapna Didi starring Deepika Padukone and the late Irrfan Khan. Unfortunately, creative differences and Irrfan’s health issues led to that film’s eventual shelving.
Initially, Trehan had Nawazuddin Siddiqui in mind for *Raat Akeli Hai*, but Siddiqui was busy with other commitments. Trehan then approached Irrfan Khan, who quickly read the script and loved it, committing to the role.
However, fate had other plans. When Irrfan was diagnosed with cancer, the film faced another hurdle. With Irrfan’s heartfelt blessing, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who had finally found time to read the script and was eager to do it, stepped in to lead the film.
Building Trust and Vision
Radhika Apte joined the cast with remarkable trust in Trehan. She committed to the film without even hearing the full script, simply based on her belief in his vision for his directorial debut. This faith extended to the entire cast, according to Trehan.
The film’s evocative title, “Raat Akeli Hai,” was Smita Singh’s original choice from her diploma project days. Despite suggestions to change it, Trehan and Singh remained firm, confident in its resonance.
Cinematic Inspirations and Global Reach
Trehan clarified that *Raat Akeli Hai* wasn’t influenced by *Knives Out*, despite superficial genre similarities. He emphasized that Smita Singh’s script was written years before the release of *Knives Out*.
Instead, his primary reference points were classic noir films like *Chinatown* and *L.A. Confidential*, which shaped the moody atmosphere of *Raat Akeli Hai*. He even included a subtle homage by naming a restaurant “Chinatown” in the film.
Shot in 2019, the film was initially planned for a theatrical release and festival run in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to its global premiere on Netflix, allowing it to reach audiences in 196 countries.
The Highly Anticipated Sequel
Honey Trehan is currently deep in post-production for *Raat Akeli Hai 2*. He aims to lock the edit by July 31st, marking exactly five years since the first film’s release, making it a special milestone for him.
He assures fans that the sequel is not merely an afterthought. He and Smita Singh took their time, ensuring the new story was compelling and genuinely exciting before moving forward.
- Honey Trehan’s directorial debut, *Raat Akeli Hai*, was initially slated to star Irrfan Khan before Nawazuddin Siddiqui took on the lead role.
- The film’s script was Smita Singh’s diploma project from FTII, written years before similar thrillers gained global popularity.
- Classic noir films like *Chinatown* served as the primary inspiration for *Raat Akeli Hai*’s mood and style.
- A sequel, *Raat Akeli Hai 2*, is in post-production and set to be locked for release soon.
As Trehan navigates delays with his other film, *Punjab 95*, the focus remains firmly on bringing the much-anticipated *Raat Akeli Hai 2* to audiences.
