Marathi film 'Kaalchakra' nominated for Unicef award

Televisionpoint.com Correspondent | Mumbai
It is a story of supreme hope and happiness in the face of absolute despair. Made with an aim to sensitise the young audience, 'Kaalchakra', a Marathi film on AIDS, has won a well-earned nomination for Unicef award.

The award will be declared at the Festival Internacional De Television Infantil De Barcelona 2008 that will be held in Barcelona on July 17. The festival, held for children and teenagers, acknowledges thought provoking films on day-to-day problems of the modern world.

High on the inspiration quotient, 'Kaalchakra' tactfully addresses the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS. Starring Sachin Khedekar, Shilpa Tulaskar and Yatin Karekar, among others, it revolves around the life of an HIV-infected couple, who end up adopting an HIV-infected girl.

"The film's intention was not to intimidate the audience, but to convey a message of hope and thereby inspire them. The protagonists, despite being HIV-positive, overcome hurdles and lead a happy, normal life," says Bhandari.

The nomination in the Unicef competition category has come after a long wait. "We sent the film's DVD last year, but it was considered for nomination only this year," says Bhandari.

This nomination calls for large scale marketing of the film. "We are going market the film with the help of an agency in Barcelona at a cost of around $20,000," says Avinash Onkar, the film's producer. Besides this, the film will also be aired on the festival channel, FITB, in two episodes of two hours each.

After a theatrical release in October 2007, 'Kaalchakra' was screened in the Panorama section of International Film Festival of India 2007 in Goa. An award at the New York International Film Festival 2007, followed.

It reached a wider range of viewers with a screening in Delhi for dignitaries from various foreign embassies. And some 25-odd free screenings in villages near Pune spread the message of hope far and wide. The movie's demand has continued to rise since. Onkar is currently busy scheduling a screening for some 7,000 employees of the World Bank headquarters in Washington DC.

"The screening will be finalised by the year-end," he says. But back on home turf, the need of the hour for Marathi cinema is better exposure through sponsorship. "Marathi cinema in India requires a proper platform and sponsorship, especially from the government," rues Bhandari.

At the moment, Bhandari is keeping his fingers crossed for "Kaalchakra". But the courage with which his characters fight the dreaded diseases, has earned him some more invitations, those at the forthcoming Stutgart International Film Festival in Germany and Durban International Film Festival.

Not to mention, 'Kaalchakra' as a foreign entry in the River to River International Film Festival that will be held during December in Florence, Italy.