Vidya Balan film on rape culture 'Natkhat' enters the Oscars race

 

MUMBAI: 'Natkhat', a film starring Bollywood diva Vidya Balan which throws light on rape culture and patriarchy, is in the run for Oscars 2021 in the Best Short Film (Live Action) category.

 

 

The acclaimed film premiered on YouTube as part of We Are One: A Global Film Festival last year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was also recognised by international film festivals like South Asian Film Festival of Orlando, International Kids Film Festival, Yellow Stone International Film Festival, and Mumbai Film Festival, among others.

 

 

Directed by Shaan Vyas, Vidya Balan also produced the 33-minute-long film, along with Ronnie Screwala.

 

 

Natkhat (which translates to mischievous), with its raw and honest storytelling, conveys the message that boys need to be educated before pointing fingers at girls.

 

 

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Vidya Balan plays the role of a homemaker and notices her son growing up in an environment steeped in patriarchy and misogyny – and becoming 'one of the boys'. As the 7-year-old starts showing patriarchal traits, Vidya steps in to explain rape culture and the vicious cycle of male chauvinism.

 

 

RSVP Movies, the production company behind the film took to Twitter and shared, “We made Natkhat to reach every corner of the earth and tell the world that change begins at home. Elated to be in the race for the Oscars 2021 short film category!”

 

 

An elated Vidya Balan also took to Twitter, where she wrote, "It’s the beautiful and powerful story that called out to me in a way that made me want to act in it and also turn producer."