Filmmakers argue that there shouldn’t have been a complete prohibition on surrogacy

the pinnacle of filmmaking. Dukaan, their first feature film, debuted on cinemas on Friday. They recently spoke with The Statesman while filming in Kolkata, discussing the topic of surrogacy—a topic that hasn’t received much attention in Indian cinema.

 

Garima Wahal: A movie on commercial surrogacy is being shown in Indian theaters for the first time. No one has discussed how over a hundred women from the neighboring villages of Anand, Gujarat, participated in legal professional surrogacy at one point in time.

Siddharth Singh: Compared to previous surrogacy-related films, this one has a much larger canvas. The film Mimi was a remake of a Marathi film that focused on a single person. Our unique movie is based on a real event.

Q. You spent more than ten years researching the subject?

Siddharth: The surrogacy business, which was once centered in India, has expanded globally. Our analysis indicates that its valuation was around INR 1,300 crore. We came across many ladies who were struggling to make ends meet, receiving pitiful wages, and trying to improve their personal circumstances.

Garima: Sending their kids to school was a major issue for them. Nobody considered the emotional bond, which was the sole risk involved in this transaction. For them, it seemed to be a commercial transaction. It was not taken into consideration while acknowledging the existence of an umbilical chord among the women. This is the basis for the movie.

Does the movie take a stance on the issue?

Siddharth Yes, we do have a firm stance about the prohibition on surrogacy. This occupation cannot be outlawed. No institution or government should be able to infringe on a woman’s independence or her control over her own body. An all-out prohibition is not necessary for this business. Surrogate rights can be more effectively regulated.

What demographic do you want to reach?

Siddharth: The movie is appropriate for multiplexes as well as single halls. We distributed it to 400 theaters worldwide and 400 in India.

Garima: This movie transcends all social classes and has something to offer everyone.

Q. The story takes place in Anand, the site of the White Revolution?

Siddharth: Our experience there was almost otherworldly. Gujarat is well-known for its navratri celebration, which represents the nine months of pregnancy, and the garba dance, which symbolizes garbh (womb). In Gujarat, the surrogacy movement had its start. It is a reality, whichever label you like to give it—divine intervention or happenstance.

Garima: A lot of individuals found work as a result of the White Revolution, which also altered people’s life. The local populace was also affected in the same way by surrogacy. We hope surrogacy makes a return, just like Amul did.

Does the movie address the post-ban scenario as well?

Garima: We’ve illustrated what life is like after a ban. The movie explores the topic of how people’s suffering has been caused by the prohibition. A childless couple will choose a different path. However, it was their bread and butter for these surrogates.

How did you find the transition from writing to direction?

Siddharth: Everyone decided on it together.

Garima: We’ve known for a while that we would do this. This is how things naturally develop.

Which would you prefer, writing or direction?

Siddharth The hardest aspect is really telling your own tale as a director.

Garima: For someone who is creative, both are the most satisfying. After that, your personal life is over. The hardest thing to do is write. It’s similar to riding a tiger in that you never know where it will go. Using your creative energy, managing actors, and maintaining balance are all part of being a director. If production companies and studios gave filmmakers like us more help, it would be much better.

Q. Tell us about your affiliation with Kolkata.

Siddharth: The culture of the city binds us together. We want to set our film in Kolkata one day. It’s a lovely location that extends an open invitation to you every time.

Garima: There’s a great feel about the city. The meal was delicious. The culture of Odisha, where I have resided, is not all that far from Bengali culture. We want to return often. There are some brilliant brains in the city.