Any state that wants to control society does not want diversity: Filmmaker Kasaravalli
KOCHI: Any state or government that wants to control society does not want diversity, national award-winning filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli has said. He was addressing the gathering at the second Kadamakkudy International Film Festival in Kochi on Sunday.
'We need to understand and negotiate. That is the healthy approach to a pluralistic society. Implementing policies like one nation is like cutting everyone into one size. An individual is a whole identity,' Kasaravalli said, urging people to resist such moves through diversity.
On filmmaking, he said his politics is to challenge the status quo.
'I don't endorse what is fully accepted. I am going to make the unfamiliar familiar and the familiar unfamiliar through my films. We are brainwashed to believe that something is normal. I want to address issues from the perspectives of those affected, not benefited. I want to look from the perspective of the others, not the state and the majority,' Kasaravalli added.
In the panel discussion held as part of the three-day film festival, his daughter and filmmaker, Ananya, also spoke about films, characters, and society.
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New Indian Express
26-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Any state that wants to control society does not want diversity: Filmmaker Kasaravalli
KOCHI: Any state or government that wants to control society does not want diversity, national award-winning filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli has said. He was addressing the gathering at the second Kadamakkudy International Film Festival in Kochi on Sunday. 'We need to understand and negotiate. That is the healthy approach to a pluralistic society. Implementing policies like one nation is like cutting everyone into one size. An individual is a whole identity,' Kasaravalli said, urging people to resist such moves through diversity. On filmmaking, he said his politics is to challenge the status quo. 'I don't endorse what is fully accepted. I am going to make the unfamiliar familiar and the familiar unfamiliar through my films. We are brainwashed to believe that something is normal. I want to address issues from the perspectives of those affected, not benefited. I want to look from the perspective of the others, not the state and the majority,' Kasaravalli added. In the panel discussion held as part of the three-day film festival, his daughter and filmmaker, Ananya, also spoke about films, characters, and society.
New Indian Express
25-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Diversity is key to a healthy society: Girish Kasaravalli
KOCHI: Any state that seeks to control society doesn't want diversity," said Girish Kasaravalli, acclaimed filmmaker and national award winner, while speaking at the Kadamakkudy International Film Festival. Commenting on the central government's 'one nation' concept, Kasaravalli emphasised the importance of understanding and negotiating differences in a pluralistic society. "Implementing policies like 'one nation' is like trying to fit everyone into a single mould. Each individual has a unique identity," he noted. Kasaravalli urged the audience to resist such homogenisation through diversity. On filmmaking, he said, "My politics is about challenging the status quo. I don't endorse what's widely accepted. Through my films, I aim to make the unfamiliar familiar and the familiar unfamiliar. We're often brainwashed into accepting certain norms as normal. I want to explore issues from the perspectives of those affected, not the beneficiaries. I strive to look at things from the viewpoint of the marginalised, not the state or the majority." In the panel discussion, held as part of the three-day film festival,Ananya Kasaravalli, his daughter and filmmaker, also spoke about films,characters and society.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
‘The courtroom became the birthplace of my stories'
By: Payyannur Kunhiraman How do you maintain the demanding balance between your legal career and writing? My father wanted me to become a doctor, but I chose to study law instead. While appearing in court is part of a lawyer's daily routine, for me, the courtroom became the birthplace of many stories. I can't always give enough attention to household matters, so I've hired someone to help manage them. Though I practice law, it is my writing that has truly brought me recognition. Your stories frequently portray the lives of women who are forced to submit to their husbands. We encounter many societal conflicts that reflect these dynamics… Marriage is not solely a contract between two individuals; it's also a loving bond between two communities. There should be no compulsion for a wife to live submissively to her husband, despite the common saying that one should regard the husband as a God. Unfortunately, gender equality is still lacking in married life, with male dominance persisting at home. Certain ideas within the Muslim community are particularly unacceptable, such as the notion that women should not work and support the family. You've also made a mark in the film industry. We know that one of your stories was adapted into a film by Girish Kasaravalli My stories likely gained national prominence thanks to cinema. Girish Kasaravalli adapted my story 'Karinagangal' into the film 'Haseena', and its national recognition brought more attention to my work. What was the public reaction when you were shortlisted for the Booker Prize? 'The Booker Prize is considered the most prestigious literary award after the Nobel Prize. When my story was shortlisted, I was surprised to receive a congratulatory call from the Karnataka govt. It proved to me that no matter how long you write, your work only truly gains attention when someone recognizes its value, like gold or a diamond.' You've often stated that writing is a weapon in your struggle. Because of your sharp critiques of traditionalism's flaws, you've also faced backlash… 'For me, writing is a form of struggle—a fight for the liberation of suffering women. A woman's life should not be confined to the kitchen like a household pest or consumed by male dominance. Her life belongs to her, and her dreams and desires deserve equal respect. This is the message I strive to express through my stories.' You once shared a story about learning to ride a bicycle in your youth, which sparked quite a stir… I grew up unaware of religious restrictions during my childhood. While in school, I would visit temples with friends without hesitation. Watching others ride bicycles sparked a desire in me to learn as well. A relative eventually taught me how to ride. But in our community, it was considered a serious offense for a Muslim girl to ride a bicycle. The community gathered and assaulted my relative for it. I couldn't stand by and watch—it compelled me to step forward and defend him. My reaction, as a girl, caused a major uproar. But through it all, my father stood firmly by my side. You wrote a story titled 'A poor man's daughter is not a girl.' When a community's honor is placed above all else, it is often women who are silenced or oppressed. Was this story written in response to that reality? Yes, I wrote that story after a long period of silence. As you know, I'm also a lawyer, and to me, the courtroom often feels like a stage—where the judge, lawyers, and parties all play their roles. Those experiences and reflections gradually transformed into stories. This particular story tells of a poor young woman who is humiliated by the wealthy. They feign love and closeness, but when it comes to marriage, they seek alliances only within rich families. The story is, in many ways, a declaration of freedom for Muslim women—an assertion of their dignity in the face of class and gender discrimination. Tell us about your first story… I wrote my first story while working as a teacher after completing college. I had a friend named Sukanya, an unforgettable character. During that time, I heard news of a young woman who set herself on fire. This incident deeply affected me, and I based my first story on her. The story is titled 'Am I Guilty?' Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
