For the first time in Indian cinema, a film explores the bond shared by a man and his camel. Titled Bakrid, the film has Vikranth playing the lead protagonist and Vasundhra of Peraanmai fame playing the leading lady. It’s been directed by Jagadeesan Subbu, who’s made films like Sigai and Patchi in the past.
Talking to DC about his out-of-the box-theme, Jagadeesan says, “I am not sure if anyone has attempted to make a film in which a camel plays a crucial character. This idea came to me, but it took time for me to pen the script. Though it’s been made in an entertaining manner, the film has a message - save the camel.”
Revealing a bit of the storyline, he adds, “Vikranth belongs to a middle-class family and he’s proud to be a farmer, despite the fact that he’s struggling to make ends meet. The film is about what happens when a camel enters his life, the long journey he takes with the animal, and the people he meets along the way.”
Introducing us to his unusual protagonist, the director says, “We brought a camel called Sarah from Rajasthan, and Vikranth trained with her for two months. She ended up becoming very friendly with him. It’s a travel story, and so the film’s been shot in Chennai, Goa, Rajasthan and various locations across Maharashtra.”
Did the team have to get special permission from the Animal Welfare Board to shoot with a camel, we ask. To which producer Murugaraj responds, “Two months before the shoot, we submitted a bound copy of the script to the AWB. After obtaining the necessary permissions from them, we proceeded with our production. After all, the movie has a message to convey.” Imman has composed music for the film, while Ruben is in charge of the cuts.
