Actor Sai Pallavi and Prakash Raj played the lead role in Vetri Maaran’s short film Oor Iravu which is Paava Kadhaigal’s one of the four short stories. The other three are directed by Sudha Kongara, Gautham Menon and Vignesh Shivan. The film got released on December 18th and opened to mixed reviews. Talking about the film, Sai Pallavi spoke to India Today about her role, honour killing and the impact the film might have on society.
“When I was shooting for the film, I didn’t realise how it would play out. I was going through multiple emotions at that time. In the film, they brought me home and they’re doing this to me. I was unaware of the impact that it would have on society. It was when I dubbed for it that I realised. I disconnected from the character and when I watched it, it was more disturbing. I am glad that Vetri Maaran has done it in a way that one might feel bad for what their daughter might go through if they decide to do it to her. If the film starts a conversation, it’d be the start of a change. I am glad I am a part of this project that could be a conversation starter. I think if people can see and feel the pain, it might work,” she said.
She also spoke about how being a part of films like this and working with these directors educate one politically.
“All of us have that trait in us that when people point out our flaws, we get defensive. We say that there’s a reason for their action. We’ve made it so normal that we fail to question it. How many of us are okay with sharing a plate or a glass with a helper or maid?
In the grassroots level, if we start seeing change, we might be able to treat people equally. We wouldn’t have to take pride in coming from a particular community, which is something we [humans] created. It is not an alien thing where one person does it.
All of us do that in some capacity. In my village, people from other community leave their slippers outside. They have been taught that way for ages and they do it even if we don’t ask them to. I never realised it. But, after working with such directors and being part of this kind of cinema, you are educated politically. You try to see things which you have avoided all these years. I’ve grown as a person, educated and been taught a lesson. So, I hope we all change,” she added.
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