KOCHI: Battling cancer has its share of myths and misconceptions, but it is not always a killer disease, assert the actors in White Drops, a short film involving one of the world’s most terrifying diseases. These actors know. For, a few themselves are cancer survivors while others who are well-known faces from the Malayalam film and TV industry have some survivor at home.
The 40-minute film was inspired by the true life story of its lead actor Mahir Khan. Mahir, before being struck with throat cancer, had bagged roles in movies and serials. But owing to the disease, his vocal chords had to be removed. However, instead of resigning himself to fate, he imported a battery-operated speech device, which was surgically fit in his throat. He has dubbed for the film with this battery-operated voice. Yesteryear actor Jose plays a role in the film. The film has also cancer survivor Kollam Thulasi donning a role, while Soniya Malhar and Ramesh Valiyasala, whose spouses have been fighting cancer, have acted in the film.
Malhar was introduced to the film through his friend, director Vinod Kanhangad. “Majority of the cancer treatments are a failure because patients believe they are dying. The stress of arranging money is also an added burden that demoralises the patient,” says the director.
To erase the popular perception that availing government aid for cancer is not easy, Finance Minister K M Mani was roped in. In his cameo role, Mani plays himself, as he speaks about ‘Karunya Benevolent Fund’, and the simple formalities that allow a patient to make use of the scheme.
The total cost for production of the film, which was made with 4k resolution, was 5 lakh. Rejish R R, who produced the movie, says that he was touched by the story. “The movie should be taken to schools and colleges as it promotes an important message,” he adds.
Director Vinod hopes that the film will earn a place to be screened at a few international film festivals as well. While he is busy with the finishing touches of ‘White Drops’, he has already started working on other projects. “I was working on a short film about organ donation a year ago while I was struck with the idea for ‘White Drops’. Fortunately, I did not have to invest a lot of time for this film. The other film is still being made,” he says. He is also thinking about making a full-length feature film.
