Recently, I caught a screening of the Kannada short film “Menarche” at the Bangalore International short Film Festival. There aren’t too many films that dare to paint a wholesome or amicable picture of menstruation or the trans community. Given this, it was refreshing to watch a film that did justice to both, while also touching upon backwards practices that hold India from progress — particularly when it comes to the safety and hygiene of women in the country.
I recently also had the pleasure of discussing this film, the creative process behind it and the hard work that went into ensuring its authenticity with its Writer/Director, Pruthvi Kunigal.
*This interview has been edited for clarity.
Vidal Dcosta for The Movie Buff: Firstly, could you let our readers in on your filmmaking journey? What or who inspired you to become a filmmaker?
Pruthvi Kunigal: I believe that everyone has an opportunity and as a creative especially I was motivated by the readers and audience who are our real strength. Since my childhood, I had a dream to reach everyone through mass media. So I chose to do the same via cinema.
“Menarche” is such a pertinent film that touches upon taboo topics in a sensitive yet realistic manner. What was your creative process as a writer in making this movie more authentic and/or believable to the audience? Also were there any personal/real-life events that you incorporated into the script?
PK: I have always been interested in working on challenging subjects. Although “Menarche” is something that everyone knows, I had to touch upon it and talk about it to people in my way. I am someone who holds the belief that nothing is possible in the world without women. So I visited the doctor and gathered information about the subject and cleared some doubts among my female friends circle. This effort has been made possible by doing a lot of research. I have never witnessed such incidents firsthand in my life or family. But I have seen some incidents very closely. So I was ready from the beginning to show it to people in a touching way.
Usually when filmmakers set out to create projects centred around bold subjects, they receive pressure, backlash, or opposition from countless parties. Did you face any such difficulties or hurdles while filming “Menarche,” and if so, how did you handle the same?
PK: After choosing challenging subjects, we have to be prepared to overcome some hurdles. Many such examples are found in our efforts. When using animals we had to wait until we got the shot we wanted. And every time we used blood in the scenes we were scared. Even the artists’ family members were scared. We managed to overcome it all with the unity of the team.
I admired your approach in casting transgender actors in the film. There is still a lot of controversy in Hollywood and Bollywood over casting cis male or cis female actors in roles meant for the trans community, and even gatekeeping roles from the community. At the same time, I wanted to know whether you were also open to creative input from the trans actors or the trans community for this movie, and whether the actors themselves contributed to their characterisation or their storylines in it?
PK: I love authenticity in anything. Whatever the scene requires, I shoot [it]naturally, no matter how difficult it is. Transgender [people]are human beings just like us. They have feelings too and they deserve integrity. I don’t want to see them as a different category. I have respect for them. They brought their characters to life by simply agreeing to act. So I am very thankful to them.
Lastly, could you share with us any details on your next projects or what readers can expect to see from you in the future? Also are there any genres or topics in particular that you seek to explore further in the future?
PK: [Preparations have ended] for my first film direction, and I will [soon be coming]to the audience with a film in the comedy genre as well. Our team has already begun working on the same. My aim as a filmmaker in the future will also continue to remain the same — to showcase/portray any story differently.
