Q&A WITH SANAL KUMAR SASIDHARAN

SAN AL KUMAR SA SID HA RAN, director, on his new film, lessons Durga in democracy, and the S controversy

Q Tell us something about your latest film Chola.

Chola is a story centring around a teenage girl who has run away to a big city with her lover. A road film, it is not political like my earlier ones, including S Durga (2017) and Unmadiyude Maranam (2017), but a personal one. I would not like to reveal too much about the film but, yes, it is spread over happenings over three days.

Q S Durga was also a long road trip and was tense throughout?

Well, the similarity ends there. Chola and S Durga are starkly different in terms of subject and treatment.

Q How do you look back at all the controversy surrounding S Durga?

Honestly, S Durga has been a lesson in life and Indian democracy. I have learnt that one cannot expect justice despite judicial intervention as long as the executive does not want to enforce it. The film was passed without a single cut by the Censor Board, and with only a request to change the title. However, we were still unable to screen it at IFFI as the government did not allow it. Despite the fact that I got a court order in my favour, they decided to delay the appeal from their side. Nothing could be done then. And I was a practising lawyer before going behind the camera.

Q You have been pretty vocal about the need to have all-women film crews?

Yes, being part of the Kazhcha Film Forum that is encouraging all-women film crews, I feel that the time has come for women artists to make their own films. They have the sensibility and the audience is open to good content. Especially in times of #metoo and the Sabarimala temple controversy.