The plot tracks the journey of a sex worker as she narrates her experiences to a writer who was penning a book on the exploitation and plight of commercial sex workers. Written, produced and directed by Youreka who also plays the role of the writer, the film is bold and experimental.
It takes a strong stand against the exploitation of women in this unorganised sector, even as it advocates legalising prostitution to provide better working conditions for sex workers.
The film opens with Youreka a writer (Youreka) visiting a brothel to gather material for his novel. Mahima a young prostitute candidly reveals her experiences that had not just disturbed her but had also influenced the life of her clients. The director has lined up some carefully selected line of ‘customers’.
Like a class 12 student obsessed with thoughts of sex; a priest; a leading psychiatrist helpless in sorting out his own marital issues; and a physically challenged man who yearning for acceptance, puts forth a strange proposal to Mahima.
Mahima talks about the harassment they face from rowdies and cops. But we never really get to see the seamy side of their lives. For, except for the opening shots of a couple of perverted customers, the rest of her clients seem to be troubled humans in need of some solace which Mahima provides.
Youreka’s Mahima is a woman with no regrets and quite comfortable, peaceful and contented in her profession. Sandra with her soft homely looks fits in suitably as the understanding sympathetic sex worker. Youreka’s matter-of-fact take on the issue doesn’t lead to any embarrassing moments for a viewer.
The director seems to have done his homework. Various eminent people speak on camera on the issue, supporting the director’s stand. Like, legalising commercial sex in marked areas in Chennai to regulate sex trade, as it’s been done in places like Mumbai; and sex education in schools. Child abuse is also touched up on. For a film dealing with such a volatile theme, it is to the director’s credit that he has not spiced it with overt glamour or vulgarity.
But the screenplay seems cramped with too many issues. And it falls short on style and form. Also, in the second half the director gets distracted, forcing in some irrelevant comic scenes. Towards the end it slips into melodrama. Off-beat, bold and unconventional in its theme and execution, the film with its tagline ‘Red is Not a Colour’, could be a watchable fare for a viewer satiated with routine formula flicks.