Interview: Adah Sharma said- working in The Kerala Story gave me happiness and satisfaction too

‘The Kerala Story’, which is making a splash in theaters across the country, is being discussed everywhere. The buzz is because the film is based on true and painful incidents. Such a truth that people were still unaware of. Controversy has also increased after the release of the film. The film has even been banned in West Bengal. It is alleged that the film is spreading hatred in the society. Whereas, the filmmaker-artist and a section of the society associated with the film do not believe so. The film’s lead actress Adah Sharma says that the film is a good messenger and is spreading awareness. He shared many of his experiences with Dr. Ramesh Thakur regarding the film. Here are the main parts of Guftgu.

Q: How did you feel doing the film?

Answer- See, the story of the film makes us think. The truth will come to know itself when you see it. According to what has been shown in the film, if such a situation comes in front of any girl, then its solution will emerge from the family before the society. Many times we do not talk to family members on such problems, which is the biggest reason for increasing the problem. I have also felt the same by doing this film. I had also asked my director then why these girls did not talk to their family members at that time? He said, maybe no one had heard him at that time?

Q: How did you get the character of Shalini Unnikrishnan?

Answer- When the film was offered to me, I auditioned normally. Selected, a few days later I was again called for audition, another audition happened in a new way. Then I thought maybe I didn’t like the previous audition. Later it came to know that I have been selected in the lead role. Hearing this, I could not contain myself. To get into the role of Shalini Unnikrishnan, I had to work hard to incorporate the South Indian accent in my voice. The rest of the film is being appreciated for my role, seeing which I am feeling both happy and satisfied.

Q: Do you think this film will be able to convey some good message in real life?

Answer- Absolutely no doubt about it? This film will change the lives of many women. Along with this, the girls who would be getting trapped in any such trap during this time, they will be alert. This film will give them the strength to fight. As far as giving a message is concerned, I think ‘The Kerala Story’ will spread awareness rather than a message. What I personally felt after doing the film and getting into the story. That is why no action was taken even after the government and the administration came to know about this reality. Had there been action, many lives could have been saved.

Question: Controversy has also increased, has the film been banned in Bengal?

Answer- See, films are the mirror and mirror of the society. It is their responsibility to show the poignant incidents and social evils prevailing in the society. This has been the religion of media and film industry, which we have done well. I want to ask those who are against this film, do they want such things to happen in our country and continue to happen all the time. No, not at all? No one would want to. There should be no politics regarding the film. This also weakens the morale of artists and filmmakers.

Question: Tell us something about the script of the film?

Answer- The film is based on true events. A lot of research was done before it was made. Discussions were held with the media, administrative officials and the families of the victims. This series went on for several months. I am proud to be a part of the film. It is a big thing to have your character in true events. All the actors played their respective parts with sincerity and excellence.

-Doctor. Ramesh Thakur

(The author is a senior journalist and member of the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development, Government of India)