31st October – Soha Ali Khan and Vir Das to enact in ’84 Sikh mass Killing

31st October - Soha Ali Khan and Vir Das to enact in '84 Sikh mass Killing
31st October - Soha Ali Khan and Vir Das to enact in '84 Sikh mass Killing

Today cinema has become more and more realistic and film makers are now going back to the basics. Realistic cinema has made a strong comeback, particularly in Indian cinema, which has been dominated with its strong, colorful and power packed embellished cinema where songs and dances play an integral role in the film.

Today’s filmmakers are not afraid to explore the realistic aspects of cinema. More and more filmmakers are braving into the realistic genre which are hard hitting and have powerful social messages. Along with the film makers the audience is also welcoming the change in cinema and the acceptance of reality cinema has also increased. Previously such cinemas were categorised as art films and were mainly shown in foreign film festivals where they were given their deserved recognition, but when screened in their own country, such films were not only given no respect but also met with protests and tremendous objections for being unsociable and “bad for the society” as it depicted the true stories of true people. The censor board would ban such films from being showcased in view of such demonstrations as they would lead to violence within the society.

Films like “Bandit Queen” saw light only in recent times, Deepa Mehta’s film “Water” could not be shot in India as widows were a taboo and sensitive subject. But today times have changed and film makers are getting their due recognition for their powerful exposure of reality thus, paving way to the social change which India needed.

In last decade, we have seen some realistic movies like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, The Dirty Picture, No One Killed Jessica, Paan Singh Tomar which not only won critical acclaim but also worked wonders at Box Office.

Continuing the tradition is an upcoming film titled “31st OCTOBER”. The producer of 31st OCTOBER , Harry Sachdeva claims that it is one of the most daring films that have been made in India in the past decade. The film is based on aftermath of Ex-Prime Minister Late Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s assassination by her two Sikh bodyguards and the murderous Anti-Sikh pogrom that followed. The makers claim that the film is as hard-hitting as it can get without getting into the propaganda politics. According to Producer Harry Sachdeva “ Genocide of Sikhs in 1984 did no good to the community or the country, it became an instrument for separatism and hate politics. 31st OCTOBER is an attempt to unmask the staged ploys and pay homage to the victims”. When asked about if he is hopeful of the movie to bring about change he replied, “A sincere and an honest effort always leads to change, we are hopeful and resilient towards the film being an instrument of change”. Harry informed us that the film has been submitted to the 68th Cannes Film Festival in the competitions category and is hopeful for its selection. Harry says that Cannes has always given platform to Indian Films which dare to challenge the mainstream and he hopes that his tribute to the victims of 1984 riots will see a Cannes premier.

The film 31ST OCTOBER stars Soha Ali Khan and Vir Das in leading roles and is directed by National Award Winning Director Shivaji Lotan Patil. 31st OCTOBER is slated to release in mid 2015.

(The 68th Edition of Cannes Film Festival will be held from 13-24 May 2015).

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