Film "Provoked"

NRI Jagmohan Mundhra denies 'Provoked' offends Sikhism

June 2005
Subhash K. Jha
- ians

NRI Jagmohan Mundhra Filmmaker denies his new film "Provoked" is offending to the Sikh religion.

"We've been very careful about everything we've done in the film so far. Now we're being accused of disrespecting the Sikh religion! 'Provoked' is the story of a very brave Sikh woman who changed the way we look at domestic violence," he says from London.

Mundhra's film, starring Aishwarya Rai and Naveen Andrews, is based on the true story of a Punjabi girl named Kiranjit Ahluwalia who was tricked into marrying a London-based man only to be physically abused. The film has some shots taken at London's Ramgharia gurdwara. "Provoked" is slated to be complete by the middle of June.

"Ash leaves in a week and then I've work with Nandita Das and other members of the cast. I can't afford to get embroiled in cooked-up controversies," says Mundhra.

"Who started this whole baseless story about us behaving badly at a gurdwara? We shot Kiranjit Ahluwalia's wedding sequence in the gurdwara in London with Ash and Naveen Andrews. We're now being accused of doing the rituals wrongly and disrespecting the Sikh community.

"These are very serious charges, more so after the way bombs were planted in Delhi in theatres screening 'Jo Bole So Nihaal'. Would anyone like to substantiate these charges? Because the entire Ash-Naveen wedding sequence is part of a film shot by the BBC."

Mundhra, who's completed 25 years of filmmaking, feels efforts are being made to create trouble when there's no reason to do so.

"I'm 30 films old. And I seek no validation from critics back home where I've been branded a soft-porn maker. I can live with that reputation. Because those who accuse me of making porn haven't seen one film of mine. Fine, label me as you like. But please don't impute baseless charges on my film."

Chuckles the prolific director: "In fact I was delighted when Ash agreed to play Kiranjit. I'm aware she had been warned by her friends and well-wishers about my reputation as a porn filmmaker. When I made 'Bawandar' Nandita Das had been similarly warned about why she was doing a rape movie with a porn director."

Mundhra expresses disappointment about the way "Bawandar" was received in India.

"I was specially disappointed that Nandita Das' performance went unrecognised. I hope they don't do the same to Ash."

He expresses delight over Ash's command over her character. "Before I signed her for 'Provoked' I had only read about her and seen bits of her on screen. Her acting abilities have taken me by surprise.

"She simply transforms into Kiranjit each time the camera comes on. We shot a sequence where her screen-husband pushes her down the stairs in a pregnant condition. Ash's look when he comes to pick her up, says it all. I'm amazed at how accomplished she is as an actress. The beauty thing just doesn't come in the way."

Besides Ash, "Provoked" also features very distinguished British actors like Robbie Coltrane and Miranda Richardson.

"I've never worked with such an eclectic mix of the best talent from India and Britain. It's a revealing experience for me, as I hope it would be for the audience," Mundhra has his fingers crossed.

The film is being readied for a year-end release when A.R. Rahman would complete the background music.

As a man who believes sex isn't to be kept under wraps, what does Mundhra think of all the skin flicks being made in Bollywood?

"I'm glad sex is coming out of the closet. About time. Family films are fine. And they'll always appeal to the maximum number of viewers. But niche films too have a market. I'm surprised Indian cinema remained so coy about sex for so long.

"Let me tell you sex is a great motivator for the plot ...we need to take it on to another level."

Does he see "Provoked" and Ash as his passport to high-brow fame?

"I've stopped craving for fame. I make the movies I believe in. The story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia is very inspiring. That's why I chose to film it."

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