Actor-producer Sanjay Suri plays a pivotal role in the upcoming film "Jhalki" that is based on the issue of child labour and human trafficking. He says the film is expected to sensitise many children who live a privileged life and remain ignorant of such sordid reality.
"Although there is no direct message in the film, the story shows the courage of a little girl who rigorously fights to find her brother, who is a victim of human trafficking, child labour and poverty. It happens more than often that a child remains ignorant because of privilege. The film, hopefully, will create an awareness on how, in a section of society, children are deprived of their basic rights of childhood - whether it is food, education and even the freedom to dream and play in the field. Our children are the future of the nation, and after watching the film, this question should pop in their head when they see a child working at a marketplace or in a shop, ‘why are they not in school'?" Sanjay told IANS.
The film features child actors Aarti and Goraksha along with Boman Irani, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Divya Dutta and Govind Namdev, and is directed by Brahmanand Siingh.
The story of the film revolves around a nine-year-old girl named Jhalki who is in search for her brother who is kidnapped and exploited by child trafficking.
The poster of the film was released at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, followed by screening at various film festival including New York Indian Film Festival, the Boston International Film Festival and the Singapore South Asian International Film Festival.
Sanjay believes that keeping the business of the film aside, if it starts a conversation on the topic, the makers will achieve their goal.
"Since we have weaved the story with songs and references to folklore, the film is not dark at all, although the reality is. So, more than earning money and winning awards, our success would be in starting a conversation and creating awareness among the next generation," said the actor.
"Jhalki" is slated to release on November 14.
(Arundhuti Banerjee can be contacted at arundhuti.b@ians.in)