ZEE5 announces Chhatriwali; to star Rakul Preet Singh

The OTT platform ZEE5 has announced a new original film titled Chhatriwali. Starring Rakul Preet Singh and Sumeet Vyas in lead roles, the announcement was made on World Aids Day. Slated to go live on the platform early next year, the direct-to-digital movie is produced by Ronnie Screwvala and directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar. The film will have a strong social message on the importance of male contraceptives and safe sex. 

Here's the first look of the film...

According to a statement released by the makers, Chhatriwali is "a slice-of-life film set in Haryana. Rakul Preet plays the quality control head in a condom factory. Though she is shy and embarrassed about her job initially, she soon realises the importance of safe sex and then takes it upon herself to destigmatise the conversation around sex education. Without being too preachy, the film sets the tone and delivers the message with humour and sensitivity while ensuring that the narrative is entertaining and family-friendly."

Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 India said, “After the success of two path-breaking films like Helmet and Janhit Mein Jaari, we are happy to bring forth Chhatriwali which deals with a taboo subject of Sex education in a progressive and entertaining manner. The film delivers a punch about the importance of sex education with humour and sensitivity. With a mix of social message, strong woman character, comedy, subtlety, and lots of drama, Chhatriwali is sure to entertain and educate our audience”.

Producer Ronnie Screwvala, RSVP Movies adds, “We are happy to back strong female-led stories with a meaningful narrative and Chhatriwali is just that. Without sounding too preachy, we have made a mass family entertainer laced with an important message because the idea is to normalize conversations about sex education and safe sex. The power of cinema is such that it enables us to deliver impactful stories that entertain and educate audiences”.

Actor Rakul Preet Singh said, “For me, every film of mine has been special but Chhatriwali is extra special for many reasons. After so many years in the industry, I am finally getting to headline a film and what better than an entertaining film with a thought-provoking social message? This World Aids Day, I join the fight against HIV by raising awareness of the importance of safe sex and the use of male contraceptives via my upcoming film, Chhatriwali”.