Mumbai: Indian YouTuber Prajakta Koli, whose latest short film has hit the internet on Thursday, is receiving countless compliments for her outing in Khayali Pulav.
In the film, she essays the role of the lead female protagonist Asha, a 17-year-old small-town girl, who pursues a vocation in sports besides focussing on her education at a government school.
The film navigates between her struggles as an amateur handball enthusiast to her triumph in breaking traditional stereotypes.
"Growing up and then through my everyday interactions, I noticed how prejudiced we are as a society when it comes to girls and women in general. This film is my small contribution to society at large to facilitate change at whatever level I can and influence mindsets positively," said Prajakta.
- " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="">
"It's amazing to essay this young girl who knows her dream is too scandalous for the dwelling she is raised in, but her forward-thinking temperament to rectify a generalised mindset has enabled her to become resilient and determined. The film is a beautiful reminder of how dreams, especially in small towns, are often realised through sports. It's also a reminder of how precious the freedom to live your life the way you want to is, how even the seemingly simple act of being able to wear shorts becomes a complicated mission for a young girl. The act of being a sportsperson is her excuse to live as a free woman who isn't defined by the opinion of others, and confidently dresses up in shorts baring her legs in a society that expects her to cover up," she added.
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra who has also worked on the movie feels that the film has "a very sweet take on women's empowerment at a very basic level."
READ | Vir Das slapped with 13 legal notices, says freedom of speech 'ain't free'
Khayali Pulav is written and directed by Tarun Dudeja.
Talking about the film, Tarun Dudeja said: "Being born and brought up in one of the towns in Haryana, India where patriarchy is the accepted norm and tradition is associated with the women staying behind the veil, I would come across subtle acts of resistance to oppression every now and then. In the conservative society women just seize at whatever semblance of freedom could be contained within the constraints of the society but mostly it is aimed at freedom. Be it the freedom to express themselves, or choose their partner, or wear the clothes of their choice. For these women, these little acts make their lives more bearable in an intolerant institution. They fight in their quiet ways and refuse to become victims of the circumstances. Their spirits remain uncrushed and they win a certain degree of independence for themselves. The film honours such women and is a tribute to them."
Set against the rural landscape of Haryana, the film touches upon themes like the inevitability of freedom of choice, the banishment of prejudices and importance of street hustle. Actor Yashpal Sharma plays the lead male protagonist, as a sports teacher.
With inputs from IANS
