When a mother speaks words like, “Ka kahi ae chachi, Babhan ghare ee kariya musari janmal biya…” (What should I say, aunty, a black rat is born in a Brahmin’s house), the despair on her face is visible. This emotional moment is from the upcoming Bhojpuri film ‘Karayathi’ directed by Nitin Chandra. The film’s trailer, set to release soon, introduces a powerful narrative where a baby girl faces color-based taunts throughout her life.
In the trailer, the young girl is nicknamed “Karayathi” due to her dark skin, and even her family members mock her for her appearance. Despite facing these challenges, she eventually finds love with a young master, and they marry. But the story takes a dramatic twist, and all characters are seen in despair. What this twist is, will be revealed on January 31 when the film premieres on India’s government-run OTT platform, Wev.
Nitin Chandra, known for his impactful films like ‘Deswa’ and ‘Mithila Makhan’, brings a sensitive and emotional subject to Bhojpuri cinema. His earlier works addressed migration issues and the unemployment crisis in Bihar, while ‘Mithila Makhan’ won a National Award. However, ‘Karayathi’ marks a shift as Chandra explores colorism and prejudice in the context of Bhojpuri society.
A Bold Experiment in Bhojpuri Cinema
In a film industry often associated with masala films and formulaic narratives, ‘Karayathi’ stands out as an emotional and socially relevant drama. Bhojpuri audiences, accustomed to light-hearted entertainment, have been discussing the trailer extensively on social media. The film’s unique approach in tackling colorism has stirred a conversation.
Despite the praise for the trailer and the involvement of a National Award-winning director, many wonder why the film isn’t releasing in theaters. Nitin Chandra points out the lack of infrastructure in Bihar and Eastern UP, where there are few theaters outside of major cities like Patna and Gorakhpur. According to him, most theaters in these regions show dubbed South Indian or Hollywood films, followed by big Bollywood releases.
Challenges of Filmmaking in Bhojpuri
Chandra reveals that making quality films in Bhojpuri is often difficult due to a lack of investors. With a budget of only 90 lakh rupees for ‘Karayathi’, the filmmaker had to rely on a group of 5-6 people to fund the project. He thanks his sister, Bollywood actress Neetu Chandra, for launching Champanran Talkies, which is producing ‘Karayathi’.
The story of ‘Karayathi’ came to Chandra after he read a collection of short stories by Saroj Singh in 2018. The last story, titled ‘Karayathi’, stayed with him and inspired the film’s screenplay.
The Fight Against Colorism in India
Chandra, who has witnessed the effects of colorism firsthand, both in his hometown and the film industry, shares his experiences. He mentions how even in casting, many filmmakers prefer fair-skinned actors and how color-based discrimination is prevalent even in daily life. This issue is highlighted in ‘Karayathi’, where the protagonist’s dark skin leads to constant bullying, not only in her community but also within her own family.
The Challenge of Reaching Audiences
Chandra acknowledges that the biggest challenge for ‘Karayathi’ is to be seen by the audience. Despite the strong subject matter, he knows that people tend to dismiss Bhojpuri films prematurely. He believes the audience needs to be sensitized to the important themes of the film, which, if understood, will have a profound impact on them.
A Local Cast and Crew in ‘Karayathi’
‘Karayathi’ features actors like Annu Priya, Deepak Singh, Sushma Sinha, and Sanjay Singh in pivotal roles. The film’s music, composed by Prabhakar Pandey and Aditya Ranjan, features popular songs sung by Megha Dalton, Chandan Tiwari, and Richa Verma.
Nitin Chandra emphasizes his commitment to providing opportunities to local actors and crew members from Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, ensuring that his films create employment opportunities in the region.
‘Karayathi’ is more than just a film; it’s a step toward changing perspectives and challenging stereotypes, offering a thought-provoking narrative that promises to touch hearts when it releases on January 31, 2025.