The film Oass (Dew drop) directed by Abhinav Shiv Tiwari which was screened at the ongoing International Film Festival recently, has been tagged as 'disturbing' by the audience. "I agree that the film got a mixed reaction from the audience .Oass is based on a real life story of the abduction of an 11-year-old Nepalese girl who was sold to a brothel in New Delhi by her aunt and other similar cases," said Abhinav.
When asked why he took up a topic like sex trade, he said, "There were many stories of sex workers. I got attracted to the topic when I found this particular girl and found her story very convincing. She spoke to me openly and came across as a positive person. The girl spoke about her interest in education which showed that her hopes were still alive. It took me some time to analyse whether it was possible for me to start with such a difficult subject. But my intention was to share the story of this young girl with everybody," he revealed.
He further added, "I did not make the film thinking about the future. Be it the recent Delhi rape case or the victims of sex trade, we as a society cannot ignore this issue anymore. Today, we are seeing a whole new India, which is speaking out for justice for the rape victim."
On how the audience reacted to the film, the director said, "I got a positive response. Some people even cried and were terrified when they saw this movie that highlights the plight of child sex workers. Only awareness can bring about a change in the society."
Compared to real life incidents, the director has toned down the issue as he wanted to bring out the positive aspect of the girl's story. "We have basically highlighted her grit and determination in the film," he said.
The director who is still in touch with the girl wanted her to see the film. "I keep meeting her but in the last two years I have lost touch. Though I was keen that she watches my film, she didn't want to come out in public because of her present condition," said Abhinav.
The girl has not requested for any justice, but it is the director who wanted to share the experience. "I wanted to create an impact through this film and want people to know what it means to be a sex worker. We are confident that Oass is going to touch many lives," Abhinav said.
Abhinav and his producers are not going to limit this film to film festivals alone. "I would like to show my film even at single screens as I want everyone to know what this girl has gone through. The film should cross boundaries. This film gives us a sense of social responsibility. Oass is not entertainment but infotainment. Though the middle class cannot relate to it very well, it is our duty to bring this serious issue plaguing our society, in the limelight," he concluded.
