Mumbai, May 29: The upcoming crime-drama film “The Narmada Story,” set against the backdrop of Madhya Pradesh, aims to shed light on systemic corruption, social injustice, and the struggles of a tribal woman. The film portrays the journey of a tribal woman fighting for justice while confronting harsh realities. The cast, including director Jagam Imam, IPS officer and actress Shimala Prasad, and actor Mukesh Tiwari, discussed the film’s themes, characters, and social messages with a news agency.
When asked if the film is based on true events, director Jagam Imam explained that it is not solely based on one incident but rather a combination of various events, news stories, and files. The narrative weaves together multiple occurrences from different regions, so they do not claim it to be just one story.
The emotional tale revolves around a tribal woman, Agni Dhurve, and her daughter. The audience will witness how her life changes after meeting a police inspector. Ashwini Kalsekar delivers a poignant performance as the tribal woman, evoking strong emotions during editing and sound design. “I believe the audience will resonate with her pain and struggle,” he said.
Mukesh Tiwari, who plays a police officer, shared that while the story may not personally affect him, it is crucial for the audience to feel its impact. He noted that sometimes actors must remain neutral to portray their characters authentically. His character offers a satirical perspective, viewing situations differently, making even a simple task like changing a light bulb seem significant. They aimed to infuse light comedy into the character to provide a unique experience amidst serious themes.
Shimala Prasad, an IPS officer and actress, was asked how her real-life experiences influenced her role in a film centered on the police system. She stated, “People think all uniformed individuals are the same, but each has unique responsibilities and struggles. My character, a female sub-inspector, faces challenges that differ significantly from my own life.” She emphasized that the film highlights the distinct struggles and challenges faced by women in law enforcement.
Prasad believes cinema can change societal perceptions, especially regarding women’s safety and justice. “Cinema has a broad reach. Not everyone reads, but films are viewed by all demographics. Visual storytelling has a deeper impact,” she said. The film not only showcases problems but also points towards solutions, making cinema a powerful medium for societal change.
Ishaq Khan’s character appears mysterious, as he portrays a person shaped by numerous negative experiences. He explained that sometimes individuals fighting against evil can inadvertently follow the same path. His character evolves, hiding much within, and aims to reveal a more dangerous side of the world.
When asked if the system is depicted as the true villain in “The Narmada Story,” Mukesh Tiwari clarified that the film does not single out one individual as a criminal. Instead, it illustrates how circumstances can lead to crime. “A person can become part of crime unknowingly and may also fall victim to the system,” he added. The film emphasizes that crime involves multiple layers of society and the system.
Director Jagam Imam discussed the challenge of balancing entertainment with responsibility in a film inspired by true events. He acknowledged that if the film were solely serious, audiences might not connect with it. Thus, they included characters and situations that offer light-hearted moments. “We aimed to entertain while delivering a message. The story unfolds in layers, allowing audiences to see different facets of each character,” he explained.
Imam also mentioned that the film will provide a fresh perspective for youth, combining entertainment with valuable lessons. The presence of popular social media artists is expected to attract younger viewers, while serious themes are presented in a unique manner. “I hope the audience connects with the film and understands its messages,” he concluded.
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