Culture & Living
India’s first female comic book superhero releases tomorrow
With lockdown and pandemic fatigue resulting in a new wave of COVID-19 infections in most countries, including India (which has seen a surge in cases post the Diwali festivities), the animated short film version of Priya’s Mask—the newest edition of a comic book series featuring the country’s first female comic book hero—tackling COVID-19 and its challenges could not have come at a better time. “We wrote this back in August 2020, but it is more imperative now as it is clear people have forgotten basic safety protocols. There is a lot of misinformation being shared online and through mobile devices about the COVID-19 as well, and this comic book dispels those lies,” says documentary filmmaker and technologist Ram Devineni of his creation that releases worldwide tomorrow on multiple platforms, premiering at the Global Health Film Festival in London.
The film, which features voices by Mrunal Thakur, Vidya Balan, Sairah Kabir and Rosanna Arquette among others, has the female protagonist (who is also a survivor of gender-based violence) not just take on the virus but also challenge deep-rooted patriarchal views and the role of women in society. “We created an empathic and powerful character that is relatable to both girls and boys,” says Devineni. “Women have been at the forefront of the pandemic working as caregivers and medical workers. They have disproportionately been affected by COVID-19, so we felt this comic book and film had to be made now. Additionally, we wanted a creative way for parents to talk about the pandemic and loneliness with their children,” he adds. Incidentally, the instalment will also present a debut alliance between two female comic book superheroes from neighbouring countries, with Priya collaborating with Pakistan’s Burkha Avenger to fight the deadly virus.
In an exclusive, Vogue gets actors Mrunal Thakur (Priya) and Vidya Balan (Sahas, the flying tiger) to tell us more about their characters and what this project means to them.
Clearly, I have a thing for tigers! Jokes aside though, what Priya stands for resonated with me at so many levels and it’s the essence of Sahas that connected with me—her strength, her empathy, her confidence.
The animation apart from being a nod to caregivers globally, which in itself is wonderful and timely and necessary, carries a strong message of solidarity which is why I am happy to be part of this film. I think Sahas and Priya are extensions of each other and the message is clear—our courage (Sahas) is never too far from us, we just have to find it.
A timely reminder.
While growing up, I lacked the presence of such a figure in popular culture, more specifically in India. While our folklores told tales of powerful women, we failed to translate those stories in animation and cartoons. I am so glad that Priya came my way as it’s very important to simply tell our girls that the strength to change the world lies within them. They don’t need to bow down to anybody. The character also discusses toxic patriarchy and sexual abuse amongst other things, and tries to have the conversations that are often brushed under the carpet. I hope in the writing and messaging, we as a team are able to trigger basic discussions about consent, women’s rights and feminism.
It’s a much-needed conversation starter that will hopefully slowly change mindsets over decades. It gives young girls a strong female figure to look up to and the belief that they are inherently powerful. I want Priya to grow from here on. I want today’s generation to learn from stories that have great social impact. Moreover, change calls for more change. This initiative will pave way for many more such powerful stories that will inspire young girls to reject the set standards of patriarchy and dream big.
For more details on the film, visit Priyashakti.com
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