Tackling a taboo subject 

Naanum en nizhalum is a short film that talks about the sexual abuse faced by a 14-year-old mentally challenged girl at the hands of her own father, a school teacher and a neighbour. The film that was recently previewed in Tiruchy, was applauded by its audience of over 200, for mirroring the evils prevalent in society. 

Talking to CE, Ganesh Raja, the director and scriptwriter of the film, says his real challenge in making the film, was in finding a girl to play the lead role. 

“Tiruchy is a conservative, tier two city, and making a film such as this is not easy here, especially when it comes to casting. I had approached almost 15 actors, including some well-known faces in Tamil film industry, but they all turned me down stating that their reputation would be hamred,” says the filmmaker.

After much scouting, Ganesh managed to find an actor for the lead role. Felesita, who is pursuing her graduation from Holy Cross College, he tells us, has managed to pull off the role with ease, despite this being her first acting assignment. 

“I was excited to act in the film when asked. The story is very moving and disturbing at the same time. And when I realised there are actual incidents like this, I could not say no to the role,” says Felesita. 

Naanum en nizhalum is Ganesh's fourth short film and the filmmaker has his own YouTube channel--Mr. Pink Media. About the open ending of the short film, he says, “I have not given any ending to the story. I did not want to give one. The society, and more importantly, parents should be open to talking to their children about forbidden topics. That is the only way we can protect our children.”

The short film is scheduled to be screened at various schools and colleges in Tiruchy.