Priya Ganoo
‘I am’ is an initiative taken by Onir and Sanjay Suri’s joint venture AntiClock Films Pvt. Limited. This project involves four films – Abhimanyu, Omar, Afia and Megha which are knitted together with the common thread of fear. The final product will be just one film including all the above.
Onir
‘Omar’ is based on police harassment of gay men, thanks to the now toned down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. When Pink Pages asked Onir why he chose an issue as sensitive as this, he was candid, “Someone has to make a beginning. Or else change will be impossible.”
‘Abhimanyu’ is inspired by Child Abuse Survivor Harish Iyer’s true story. Harish was abused at 7 by his relative. “It’s a topic that has been ignored by mainstream film makers. Onir had heard a few assorted incidents regarding this problem that plagues our society. My story in one of the Bombay tabloids was a trigger for him to take up this initiative.” Harish Iyer adds.
The ‘I am’ initiative is very unique as it gives the viewers to contribute to the film monetarily and funds are raised in the same manner. Onir and Harish are quite happy with the response the project has got so far. “A lot of people have been generous and that besides it’s a cause of our children, our gay friends, our society , our mindsets – so we the onus is on us to partner in the making of this film” says a rather pleased Iyer. Onir thinks of this as a new milestone for independent films in India. “Indies in our country have never got the attention they deserve. But if filmmakers take a step forward and actually try to make audiences a part of the film making process things will definitely change for the better.”
Arjun Mathur who plays the role of Omar
The films don’t have similar stories but overlap in a very subtle manner where a character from a film is connected to the next in some way or the other. Says Onir, “I want to see these films creating understanding and empathy in our society.” He’s also outspoken in his concern for gay rights in India. “The recent Section 377 judgment has brought the issue out of the closet and there’s no going back. I’m waiting for the day the Delhi High Court judgment will be made binding all over India.”
The film will be up for release sometime next year and we are excited to see this project on the big screen. Great Going Onir, Harish and the entire team!
