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A film with a message

Financing a Hindi film similar to those churned out from the dream factories of Bollywood is no easy task. However, Father Dominic Emmanuel, director of Communication/Information Bureau of Delhi Catholic Archdiocese, was so concerned over two issues currently plaguing the country -- the alarming rise of dreaded HIV/AIDS and communal polarisation -- that he decided to become the executive producer of the Hindi film "Aisa Kyon Hota Hai?" which is up for release this Friday.

Asserting that the underlying objective behind the film was to reach out to the masses, Father Dominic explains: "The Church has always been in the business of communication though it has never used the medium of film. Bollywood is the most popular medium in India as it is available to all and sundry, regardless of age, gender, economic status and rural urban divide."

The film, directed by Ajay Kanchan, has an impressive star cast of actress Rati Agnihotri, model-turned-actor Aryan Vaid and Johnny Lever.

Luckily, Fr. Dominic was not at all plagued by bouts of nervousness while emoting before the camera. "I was not at all apprehensive before the camera as I have been connected with media for quite some time. A weekly programme, `Voice of Christianity', on Jain TV is hosted by me. In the film, I am playing the role of a Catholic principal of a college."

Singing hosannas of versatile actress Rati Agnihotri, Fr. Dominic said the actress was so overwhelmed after the film's shooting was over that tears started streaming down her face.

Fr. Dominic said if the film did well at the box office then the money earned from it would be used in financing another film project on burning social issues. -- Madhur Tankha

-- Madhur Tankha

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