Kamal Haasan, Rajkummar lend voice to film on sexual exploitation
New Delhi, May 6: Film celebrities Kamal Haasan, Vidya Balan, Puneeth Rajkumar, Jisshu Sengupta and Rajkummar Rao have lent their voice to "Amoli: Priceless", a digital documentary on commercial sexual exploitation of children.
Produced by Culture Machine, the documentary on the deep-seated and well-organised criminal industry will release on Monday in seven languages on YouTube and Facebook. It spotlights different forms of exploitation and the constant need that feeds the demand for this business.
The film is narrated in four chapters -- Mol (price), Maya (illusion), Manthan (internal conflict) and Mukti (liberation).
"Fundamentally, the objective is to dissuade men from buying sex from children," Sameer Pitalwalla, CEO and Co-Founder, Culture Machine Media Pvt Ltd, said in a statement.
"We believe that a combination of fear and stigma is what will deter men in the short-to-medium term. This can only materialise through unequivocal political commitment, proactive law enforcement and strict and swift justice.
"We want to magnify awareness about this issue through 'Amoli', and consequently, mobilise the general public to demand our police, judiciary and government to address the issue. This is about stoking public compassion and inspiring individual citizens to act in whatever manner they feel comfortable."
The 30-minute film is directed by acclaimed documentary filmmakers and National Award winners Jasmine Kaur Roy and Avinash Roy, with music by Tajdar Junaid.
Though shot in Hindi, dubbed-versions of "Amoli" are available in Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada and English. It has been strung together through stories of survivors who have been through the horrors of commercial sexual exploitation.
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Euphoria grips Chennai as TVK chief Vijay set for historic oath-taking
Chennai (PTI): The Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai transformed into a sea of excitement on Sunday as thousands gathered to witness the historic swearing-in ceremony of TVK chief Vijay as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
The atmosphere across the city was one of hard-won victory and high expectations.
High-profile attendees, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, arrived at the Chennai airport this morning to attend the event, signalling the national significance of the political shift in the Dravidian heartland.
Inside the venue, the mood was electric. "We are very happy because of Thalapathy," a supporter said, echoing the sentiments of the crowds arriving since dawn.
TVK leader 'Bussy' Anand was among the early arrivals at the stadium, where security arrangements have been fortified to manage the massive influx of people and VVIPs.
For many, the victory is seen as a "demolition of the system".
Actress Sanam Shetty, speaking to reporters, described the moment as a breakthrough for Tamil Nadu politics.
"Even after winning the majority, even after creating a historic moment... the gruelling past week of political dynamic shifts hasn't allowed us to sleep peacefully. Today, we are going to sleep peacefully, dreaming of a better Tamil Nadu in the safe hands of our beloved Thalapathy Joseph Vijay sir," she said.
TVK’s victory is being hailed for its unconventional makeup. Supporters pointed out that the party’s list of elected MLAs includes a significant number of women. "It sets a huge example that you don't need money, power, or influence to become an MLA. All you need is good intention to serve the public," Shetty added, noting that the party enters office with a "clean slate".
TVK MLA V Pandi emphasised that the new government intends to prioritise women's welfare and youth employment.
He dismissed concerns over administrative transition, promising a "clean and pure government" free of corruption. While speculation remains rife regarding the cabinet, Pandi noted that while many are seeking ministerial roles, final decisions are yet to be announced.
The emotional weight of the day was most visible at the residence of Vijay’s father, S A Chandrasekhar.
Vijay’s mother, Shoba Chandrasekhar, expressed immense confidence in her son’s new role, stating, "Vijay will lead this well; I have full faith in him".
The cultural impact of the day was also evident as members of the film fraternity, including actor Trisha, were seen leaving their residences to attend the ceremony. The event falls on Mother's Day, a coincidence noted by several family members and supporters as a poetic start for the "true son of Tamil Nadu".
As Vijay prepares to take the oath, he becomes the first actor in the state's history to win a majority and be elected Chief Minister in his very first electoral attempt.
