Interviews

Valasa, a film on migrant workers crisis

Inspired by true events, the social drama is directed by Sunil Kumar Reddy

Murali Krishna CH

Nandi Award-winning director Sunil Kumar Reddy is back with Valasa, a social drama that highlights the plight of the migrant workers who faced difficulties trying to return to their families during the Covid-19-induced nationwide lockdown.

"Valasa tells the story of millions of our fellow men, who moved on foot, battling against all odds to reach their homes. The film has an underlying love story and a family drama that is replete with emotions. You can also call it a road film as the audience travel along with the characters," says Sunil.

He tells us that the film is inspired by true events. "I spoke to many migrants from North Coastal Andhra and gathered all the details. They were betrayed, badly beaten up by the police, and denied permission to cross state borders. I saw desperation, pain, anger, and frustration in them. While they received help from a few people, several others couldn't gauge the seriousness of the problem. I have given a cinematic vision to these stories," shares Sunil.

Starring Manoj Nandam, Vinay Mahadev, Teju Anupoju, and Gowri, Valasa was cleared with a U/A certificate, and Sunil reveals that he is keen for a theatrical release soon after the reopening of cinemas halls in the Telugu states.

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