SRIKAKULAM: The film 'People’s War' by Telugu director, R Narayanamurthy based on brutal killings by police personnel of fishermen and
farming community protesting the proposed 1,240 MW thermal power plant in Sompeta's wetland, Beela, will also portray the glorious past of 1960s Srikakulam farmers' struggle and Kakarapalli swamp tragedy.
A day before commencing shooting on Beela land, director R Narayana Murthy on Thursday told Express that though the film was initially based on Sompeta protest, it would now include Kakarapalli police firing as well.
Murthy who highlighted Srikakulam farmers' struggle against landlords in his movies said, besides him in the lead role, actor Sri Hari, Posani Krishna Murali and Telangana Shakuntala would have key roles in the film.
"Supporting character roles of protesters, fisherfolk and farmers in the movie would be cast from Sompeta and Kakarapalli region. Folk artists of the region would bring alive beauty of Uddanam-'Nature’s Garden' where we will be shooting the film," Narayanamurthy said. It is my tribute to people fighting for their livelihood, he said. Projects proposed to come up on Beela and Nowpada swamps will hit thousands of lives. Poor communities in the state are left in the lurch, he added.
The film, both produced and directed by R Narayana Murthy will be completed in 70 days, in one schedule, and shot in and around Sompeta, Baruva, Santabommali and some pockets of Uddanam region.
"It is remarkable how farmers and fisher folk are continuing their protests over the years. They are on a revolutionary path battling for conservation of wetlands by sacrificing their lives," he said.