’Child molestation ignored in Indian films’

Aarambh director Akshay Datt believes serious thought should be given to such topics

'Child molestation ignored in Indian films'

Aarambh director Akshay Datt believes serious thought should be given to such topics

Why did you choose the subject of child molestation for your first film?
I don't believe on entertainment alone. Child abuse is still a neglected issue in our culture. I am dead serious on this issue and wanted to make it with sensitivity as well as rationally. My motive has been served when I get an encouraging response from the audience. I have received a special award by the Third Eye Asian Film Festival that took place at Kolhapur. Rajeshwari Sachdev, the protagonist in Aarambh, also won the Best Actress award from the Star Screen Film Awards.
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But issues related to sexual crime has already been covered in many films.
We do makes films on rape and unfortunately most of the rape scenes are created to earn publicity and money. In Aarambh, we have deliberately avoided this intentionally.u00a0 Instead our prime focus is on the trauma the victim and her family has to undergo. It is also an attempt to make viewers aware of the crime of child molestation. I did not intend to sensationalise a serious issue and make it vulgar. I strongly believe serious thought should be given to serious topics.
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Being a young film maker, do you have an idol before to make Aarambh?
I have inherited the legacy of my father, Yashwant Datt. He was a powerful actor and director in his days. Films are not merely for entertainment, but can be effectively use as a medium to create social awareness. Directors like Mrinal Sen, Satyajit Ray, Raja Paranjpe and V Shantaram are a few who accomplished this seemingly impossible task of entertaining and at the same time creating social awareness about various issues like child marriage, rehabilitation of criminals.
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Aarambh is competing in Marathi film category. How do you see its prospects?
All films in PIFF are good and there is a healthy competition. I am optimistic about my film too. Aarambh took six years to complete, as I wanted to make my first art perfect and the way I wanted it to be. It is now up to the critics, juries and audience to accept or reject it. This is a team effort and all artists and technicians have contributed in the endeavour.

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