There is a problem in every industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded it in some. The Tamil Film Industry is one that has seen this problem compound during the covid induced lockdown. What is this problem? It is unemployment. Several people in the Tamil film industry have lost work because of Covid, the after-effects of which can now be seen in the unlock phase.
Naturally, every problem requires a solution and so to this one. While the government has done enough, still the problem is persisting, and to eradicate it, two directors of the Tamil film industry have stepped up with a solution.
Mani Ratnam and Jayendra Panchapakesan are the two directors who have found a solution. They are producing an anthology film for Netflix to minimize the problem. Titled ‘Navarasa’, the anthology film’s proceeds will go to those who have faced the brunt of unemployment.
For making the anthology, renowned directors are coming together. They will make nine short films based on nine ‘rasas’ (emotions). The names of the directors are as follows – Bejoy Nambiar, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Karthik Subbaraj, Karthick Naren, K.V. Anand, Ponram, Rathindran Prasad, and Halitha Shameem.
South star, Arvind Swamy is also chipping in. He is going to direct a short film, which will be his debut as a director.
Further to support this cause, about 40 top actors of the Tamil film industry and hundreds of technicians will work on the project. Netflix which will release the film stated that the cast and crew will work free on the film to show their support during such a tough time for the industry.
A statement was also released by Mani Ratnam and Jayendra, which read as follows :
“We have always loved to brainstorm and come up with unique ideas to raise money for deserving causes. This time the brainstorming was for the cause of our own industry.”
”The idea of making short films and raising money through them for this cause was born on one such brainstorming evening.”
Further, the statement concluded with :
“The idea of Navarasa was a spark when we discussed it and the industry has come together to make it glow, give it soul and make it count for its people.”
Lending more weight to this initiative is a music legend, AR Rahman who is serving as one of the composers.
It is times like these when the whole industry needs to unite and this project will prove to be worthwhile.
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