Renowned Bengali actor Swastika Mukherjee is back on the big screen with her latest release Durgapur Junction, directed by Arindam Bhattacharya. In this gripping thriller, she portrays Ushahsie, a tenacious investigative journalist entangled in a high-stakes case involving political intrigue and crime. As the film hits theatres, Swastika opens up about the changing landscape of journalism, the influence of social media, and the personal challenges faced by those who dare to speak out.
Swastika’s portrayal of Ushahsie is rooted in realism—she plays a fierce, truth-seeking reporter based in Durgapur who dives deep into one of the city’s most controversial investigations. Speaking about the film, the actor shared her optimism, expressing that Bengali cinema is currently experiencing a creative surge. “We’ve come to a point where audiences are walking into theatres again,” she says. “There’s variety now—everything from deeply personal stories like Manikbabur Megh to experimental ventures like Puratawn. Our film, being a suspenseful thriller with a fresh storyline centered around pharmaceuticals and medicine, offers something new.”
Beyond the screen, Swastika uses her platform to reflect on the state of journalism today. She believes the field has undergone a seismic shift, especially with the rise of digital media. “There was a time when journalism meant hitting the ground, doing legwork, and uncovering truths through hard-earned sources,” she notes. “Now, everything’s available at the click of a button, and while that’s convenient, it’s also dangerous. The pressure to break news first has replaced the need to verify facts. There’s a flood of information, but hardly any accountability.”
The actor is particularly concerned about the rise of misinformation and the tendency of viral negativity to overshadow truth. “Even when a piece of news turns out to be false, the correction never gets the same reach. It’s almost like the damage is already done, and nobody bothers to fix it,” she laments. “Social media has created a race where everyone wants to be heard, but very few want to be right.”
Reflecting on her two-decade-long career, Swastika shares how the media landscape has changed dramatically since she first entered the industry. “Back then, there was a line—ethical boundaries that most journalists wouldn’t cross. Today, it’s a different story. The race for sensationalism has replaced thoughtful reporting. Sometimes it feels like the only competition is over who can dig up more dirt, regardless of how harmful it is.”
Taking on the role of a journalist in Durgapur Junction gave her new insight into the internal conflicts faced by those in the profession. “Ushahsie is someone who chooses truth over comfort,” she says. “Even when her husband tells her she’s just doing a job and shouldn’t bother getting involved, she can’t let go of her integrity. That hit home for me. There are so many people out there facing similar dilemmas—wanting to speak out but being pressured into silence.”
Swastika doesn’t shy away from discussing her own experiences with backlash. She was one of the few public figures in Tollywood to vocally support the protests during the RG Kar Medical College case in Kolkata last year. “The threats are real,” she admits. “You stand up, and suddenly your livelihood is on the line. Many of us were warned, and some lost out on work. Fear becomes a daily part of life—not just for yourself but for your family as well. It’s a steep price to pay for speaking your mind.”
In a world where celebrity voices are often scrutinized and twisted, Swastika remains grounded in her conviction. “Today, every word we say can be manipulated. There’s a constant pressure to be cautious, but there’s also a responsibility to speak the truth. That balance is hard, but it’s necessary.”
As Durgapur Junction unfolds on screen, it offers not just a compelling mystery, but also a mirror to the ethical struggles faced by modern journalism. Through her character Ushahsie, Swastika Mukherjee sheds light on a profession that’s more than just headlines—it’s about courage, conviction, and an unflinching commitment to truth.
