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In an exclusive interaction with Firstpost, Vijay Yelakanti & Raima Sen spoke at length about Maa Kaali and its journey from research to execution read more
 "'Incident of this scale will definitely have an effect on Bengalis'")
Filmmaker Vijay Yelakanti of Wife of Ram fame has collaborated with actress Raima Sen to deliver a hard-hitting real story in the form of Maa Kaali, which delves into the backdrop of August 16, 1946’s communal violence, known in history as the ‘Direct Action Day’ or ‘1946 Calcutta Killings’. While the teaser has garnered tremendous response, it has also been accused of being a propaganda movie by a certain section.
In an exclusive interaction with Firstpost, Vijay Yelakanti & Raima Sen spoke at length about Maa Kaali and its journey from research to execution.
Edited excerpts from the interview
Congratulations on the powerful teaser, the glimpse has created humongous curiosity on social media with netizens already calling it a historical movie, praising the guts of the makers for narrating the untold story. What do you have to say about that?
Raima: When I was offered this film, I didn’t think much, other than feeling obligated to tell this story as this is the story of Bengalis and their sufferings. I heard these stories from my family and relatives, their survival stories was filled with courage, me acting in this film is nothing in front of it.
Vijay: I am very happy about the praise and attention the teaser is getting. What saddens me is that people thinking that you need guts to tell a real historic event which happened in recent times.
The film has a hard-hitting subject. So, how mentally it was exhausting or taxing for you to play this intense and serious character?
Raima: It was extremely traumatic experience from the script level itself. I had to relieve all the stories which I heard as a child. I know that everything is safe on the sets, still it was chilling for me to enact those horrific scenes. There were many days when I couldn’t sleep, and even we forced a schedule break to prepare for character transition.
Since this a sensitive subject, what kind of research went for this film to keep the authenticity and credibility intact
Vijay: As this is a historical event, I wanted to make sure we get all facts right. We had a dedicated Research wing whose job was to gather data and cross-check everything which we put in the film. We also hired Cultural Consultants to ensure the authenticity of Bengali culture is maintained. The Censor Board has pointed out several scenes and asked for references, which we documented in detail, then the censor was cleared.
Was it a concern for you after you were threatened over the phone for this film?
Raima: Not exactly. I was prepared for this as I was sure that there will be a sect of people who may go against us. As a public figure, you have to go through these things, but the sad part is people threatening even before watching the film. At least, let the movie release and then you can judge.
Does it hurt when a certain section accuses it of being a propaganda movie?
Raima: This is all subjective. As I told earlier, this story of Bengalis needs to be told, and I am doing that.
Vijay: Propaganda by definition is pushing a specific point of view. In this film, I am telling a story of a real incident which led to India’s partition. Thousands died during the incident, and its effects are still felt. How can brigning a real-life historic incident on to screen becomes propaganda?
Why do you think none of the filmmakers brought this story to the screen?
Vijay: Honestly, I don’t know, but we used the tagline #erasedhistory for this specific reason. Forget about filmmakers, why nobody knows about this incident? I wonder is it because it was strategically erased?
The Bangladesh crisis has turned out to be global news, do you think it will affect India’s relationship with the country?
Raima: I am not much into politics, but yes… incident of this scale will definitely have an effect on India, and definitely on Bengalis. I wish safety for Bengali Hindus in Bangladesh and wish peace for both the countries.
Vijay: I am not a political expert, but every incident will change the course of history. Just like Direct Action Day shifted the entire dynamics of pre-partition India, which led to the formation of Pakistan, and eventually Bangladesh forming out of East Pakistan, this will have an effect too. I just can’t predict in which direction, but I wish and pray for the safety of Hindu minorities stuck in Bangladesh at the moment.
A cinephile, who loves, eats and breathes Bollywood and south cinema. Box Office specialist. Obsessed with numbers and trade business of the entertainment industry. see more
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English (US) ·