Exclusive: Love Sonia producer Shalini Thackeray on bringing the film together

This week saw the release of three wonderful films – Manmarziyaan, Mitron and Love Sonia. While the other two films are an out-and-out commercial entertainer, Love Sonia is a movie on the hard-hitting reality of the society.

The movie has received many praises and we exclusively got in touch with producer Shalini Thackerey, where she spoke about what exactly went into the making of the film. Here are some excerpts from the interview:

Love Sonia. Phew…

I just want to bring to your notice that 65 girls have been missing every day since the last 17 months and we’re not ready to address this issue (of human trafficking). So for me, this film is much more than just a film. It’s also something people need to understand and react to.

Having such a strong background in politics, what made you take up film production?

I started with Marathi films and even now I was on the path to do a Marathi film. While working, I also worked with the industry closely. I realized that Marathi films need to get a particular support for which I felt I could take the initiative. I think we started a movement with Lai Bhaari. It was a path-breaking film and many others followed soon. When I was thinking of another Marathi film, it was Love Sonia which was again of a proper Marathi background, so it seemed like an extension of what I was already doing except that it was on a bigger scale. But the backdrop of this film is Maharashtra, Marathwada. There is an issue over there, when daughters are facing this particular problem. That is how I felt I should support Love Sonia. Film is a very important medium. It comes with a lot of responsibility because we should be able to communicate to a bigger audience and speak about issues we want to talk about, in a manner that the audience will associate. It was the reason why I decided to come into production. It helps me communicate a message which I want to in a particular way.

So do you agree that Bollywood helps you convey messages which otherwise even when you scream isn’t heard?

Yes, a film definitely does a better job. This I feel is an extension of the work that I’m doing.

But then you all picked Mrunal, who is just making her debut with the film. Do you think a bigger face would’ve been better?

I think this film has a lot of faces. A role like Sonia needed a fresh and young face and Mrunal is a Maharashtrian so she could identify with her character. So I think she’s a very good choice and has done an amazing job and even bagged her first best debut award in London. To support her we have great faces and each one of them have given fantastic performances so I think that taking a new face and giving her support of these power-packed performers has turned out better.

The movie is based in Marathwada but human trafficking happens in every area. Is the situation in those areas also shown?

It is a global issue. The journey of the film is from Marathwada to LA. The film also has another story – of a girl in search of her sister. It originated from Marathwada because there are a lot of girls who face this because of farmer issue there. So that was just a point to start the story. But yes, then we’ve taken it all the way to Mumbai, Hong Kong and LA to prove that it’s a very important and global issue.

A father is selling his daughter in the movie. This situation is also prevalent in the society. What can be done to change it?

This is definitely an issue and we hear many parents having to do that because they see no other option. If I react to this, it will become political. Right now there’s a lot we can do as a citizen as well as the government. We can’t put everything on them. As citizens, we also need to be alert and react to these things. This movie is made with that in mind where we should get reaction from people who instead come forward and address this issue. First is to recognize the issue and bring awareness of it, is what the film will do.

How were you approached for the film?

Me and Tabreez are friends. They also know the work which I am doing and they felt that it would be good to associate with someone who believes in the content. I think with common interest, we came together.

How easy or tough was it to bring other producers on board?

When the film started, there are producers from all over the world. Tabreez being based in LA, everybody got connected to him. It wasn’t very difficult but it wasn’t easy either, because it’s a very hard-hitting film and not everybody can associate with it.

After this film, do you plan to take up another issue?

I am working on a couple of projects – one in Marathi and one in Hindi – women-oriented subjects or based on issues.

So script would become important for you?

Yes I want the story to be told in a certain manner.