The Hindu : New Delhi News : Remembering the Gujarat riot and its victims

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Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007
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New Delhi

New Delhi

Remembering the Gujarat riot and its victims

PAINFUL MEMORIES: Actress Sarika in "Parzania"

Controversy is a word that filmmaker Rahul Dholakia wants to steer clear of. While his film "Parzania'' has been in the news much before its release this Friday, this small budget film that focuses on a family during the Gujarat riots wants to able to do its bit to ensure people don't just forget what happened.

Not for commercial benefits

"This film is not for commercial benefits. It is a human story about a family going through trauma. Independent films find it a problem sometimes for distribution. There was a distributor who was interested who came with money and asked me to change the name of the film. But we didn't want to sensationalise the film,'' he said at a press conference in the Capital recently.

Censor delay

Stuck at the censors for longer than usual, the film managed to make its mark in international festivals before finally being shown in India. Starring Naseeruddin Shah and Sarika, "Parzania'' has more than the usual shades of "real''.

Inspired from the story of a couple Dara Modi who lost their child in the riots and are still waiting for him, the film hopes to tell the story of many other parents. "We felt the responsibility early on. There are losses we don't know. And like television channels we are only taking the story to the people,'' asserted Sarika.

Being released across the country, even Gujarat, the filmmaker believes that the film will not rake up sensitive issues.

A film that needs to be seen, Rahul believes that the language of the film -- English -- will prevent it from getting into trouble.

"The last thing that the film needs is controversy. We would like that the word wouldn't be mentioned in the story. We don't want to fan the flames. We will accept the judgement of people,'' asserted Naseeruddin.

And with plenty of committed people going for it, this is one film that really might not be about stars making money.

"Parzania is the dream world of Parzan. He believes that mountains are made of chocolate and there is peace. But unfortunately, he has to see harsher reality,'' said Rahul. -- Mandira Nayar

-- Mandira Nayar

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