Exclusive! Why did Minus 31-The Nagpur Files's Rucha Inamdar spend so much time with the police?

Minus 31-The Nagpur Files is an upcoming murder mystery that revolves around a sudden death that takes place during the COVID pandemic. It is about how a female police officer on duty struggles to unearth the truth behind the mysterious death.

The film, starring Rajesh Sharma, Raghubir Yadav, and Rucha Inamdar in the main roles, is quite intriguing.

Indian audiences have got to see several powerful female cops on screen, be it Raveena Tandon, Shefali Shah, Tabu, Karishma Tanna or Sanya Malhotra in projects like Aranyak, Delhi Crime, Bhoola, Hush Hush, and Kathal. 

So, we asked Rucha if she took any inspiration from any of the above-mentioned actors to prepare for her role as a police officer in Minus 31-The Nagpur Files. "More than taking inspiration from onscreen cops, I closely observed real-life cops. I used to sit with female police officers in police stations and tag along with them when they went patrolling. I used to have lunch with them and interact with them. Such interactions helped me bring a certain authenticity to my character. My character, Preksha Sharma, has a personal story too. But I think the more I spent time with female police officers, the more I realised how brave-hearted they are and how every single day they work hard to protect us and maintain normalcy," said Rucha.

She also revealed that a mental shift took place for her after the filming of Minus 31-The Nagpur Files. "Since childhood, we are told, 'Police se bachke rehna...police aa rahi hai, bhaago'. But after seeing the humane side of the female cops, my perspective towards them has changed completely. I have a lot of respect for the police but no fear of them. I know that if they question us, they are following the law and are dutiful professionals. Of course, a police officer has a strong personality, and they come across as tough people, but that is the demand of their job. If you are in trouble, they are going to save you. They are approachable. My respect for them has only amplified," shared the actress, who has also appeared in web series like Criminal Justice and The Great Indian Murder.

Minus 31-The Nagpur Files is directed by Pratik Moitro and also stars Shivankit Singh Parihar, Jaya Bhattacharya, Santosh Juvekar, and Ruturaj Wankhede. It will release in theatres on July 21.