Goa: Of unwed mothers, a tribal cast & a film from Kerala

PANAJI: On Friday afternoon, 21-year-old Meenakshi R, a tribal girl from the Muduka community from the tribal taluka of Attappadi in Palakkad district of Kerala broke down in front of a room full of journalists at the 53rd International Film Festival of India (Iffi). Meenakshi plays the protagonist in ‘Dharbari Kuruvi’, possibly the first film where the cast of approximately 60 is entirely indigenous people.
For Meenakshi, who has left Palakkad district only once before in her life, speaking before reporters in Goa on the Iffi stage was overwhelming, to say the least. Many of the film’s cast had not even watched a film before acting in ‘Dharbari Kuruvi’.

“I am unable to convey my emotions. I want the film to be screened in all other tribal areas of Attappadi, so that girls can stand up for themselves,” said Meenakshi.
‘Dharbari Kuruvi’, directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Priyanandan, is the first Irula language film to be chosen for screening in Iffi’s Indian Panorama section.
The film’s title refers to a fatherless sparrow based on a local folklore from Attappadi and the story revolves around the stigma faced by unwed mothers among tribals.
“There are so many girls going through this in Attapadi. I have a wish that at least the life of girls of future generations is changed through the film,” said Shyamini S, 21, another tribal girl who plays Meenakshi’s friend in the film.
‘Dharbari Kuruvi’ was screened for the first time at Iffi and the audience was as astounded by the acting skills of the cast, as was the director while filming. Priyanandan had to stay with the tribals first and strike up a friendship to put them at ease before the movie was shot.
“Kuppuswamy Marudhan from the Irula community was helping me with another plot when I stumbled upon alcoholism and this issue of unwed mothers. I wanted to make the film so that others are aware of this issue in Attappadi. Telling their story should lead other people to a better life,” said Priyanandan.
Attapadi comprises the tribal communities of Irula, Muduka, Kurumba and Vaduka and is so remote that locally people joke about punishment postings to the region.
Priyanandan said that he wanted to give a human face to the people of this region and help overcome the stereotype.
“We were ashamed to say we are from Attappadi. This film changes everything,” said Meenakshi, who has also sung two songs in the movie.