Debut director Prashant Singh Rathod has found inspiration for his film "Run Bhuumi", on women empowerment, in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" campaign. The film's trailer was launched here on Thursday by actress Urmila Matondkar in the presence of political dignitaries.
Organised by the All India Technical and Management Council (AITMC), an NGO which is backing the film, the trailer launch was attended by actress-turned-BJP leader Roopa Ganguly, BJP national secretary Tarun Chugh, former BJP National Secretary Rakesh Yadav, Sudesh Agarwal, chairman, Giant Group Dubai and actress Nisha Kothari.
Made by 4S International Ltd and White Knight Productions, "Run Bhuumi" - an inspirational story of a common girl Bhuumi who aspires to achieve a goal amd fight all odds to attain it - stars non-professional actors and has been shot extensively across various locations in Himachal Pradesh.
"We wanted to give a genuine feel to the film. We couldn't have justified the script by making it with stars as 'Run Bhuumi' is about a common girl. The film has been made tax free in Haryana, Punjab and we have filed papers in Rajasthan," Rathod, who has previously worked as an editor with filmmakers like Anees Bazmee and Sanjay Gupta, told IANS.
The director's target audience for the film is school and college students.
"Made on a budget of around Rs. 1.5 crore, the film has received amazing reactions till now. 'Run Bhuumi' is not made for moneymaking. We want viewers to understand that besides the government, it's their job too to make today's women feel empowered," he added.
Himani Attri, 18, who played the title role in the film, told IANS: "I'm honoured to be a part of the film. Bhuumi is a sprinter, who takes part in a cross country race to earn money for her ill brother."
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"Run Bhuumi" will release on October 30.
The trailer launch tugged at actress Urmila Matondkar's heart.
She said: "There are very few events which are connected to heart and where you always feel the need to say something in support of the cause. I have an elder brother. But since childhood, I was told one thing that when my mother was pregnant and was leaving for her mother's house, my father told her, 'I want a girl this time or please don't come back.' I have been reminded this thing today also.
"Coming from a family where your birth is celebrated like a festival and living in a society where women are treated as a goddesses, I feel sorry about talking on such issues regarding women.
"But being a citizen of India, I want to thank Narendra Modi-ji and all other BJP leaders that this initiative is being carried forward on such a big platform. Today's woman has the courage to prove herself at every platform even if she is a housewife," she added.
During the event, all the dignitaries stressed upon women empowerment and shared their personal views and concern in order to motivate women to feel free and explore their mind to help themselves and society grow.
Also, women from different fields, including media, education and business, were honoured with certificates for their contribution to society.
The objectives of Modi's 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' campaign are prevention of gender biased sex selective elimination, ensuring survival and protection of the girl child and ensuring education and participation of the girl child.