Nila Madhab Panda's 'Halkaa' talks about open defecation free India

    New Delhi, Aug 6 (PTI) The latest project of Nila Madhab Panda, the critically acclaimed director of films like 'Kadvi Hawa' and 'I am Kalam', has one strong message to give out -- Say no to open defecation.
     The trailer of "Halkaa", a story of an 8-year-old 'Pichku' who refuses to go out in the open for the nature's call, was launched here today by Panda and Hardeep Singh Puri, MoS - Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
     Talking about the inspiration behind the movie, Panda hoped through the support of the ministry the film would help the country become 100 per cent open defecation free.
    "It is a very special film, which is not just for entertainment but it sends a very good message. We are thankful to the ministry and minister who have given immense support to take this movie forward and through which we are trying to reach out to every corner of the country. We hope this film in some way helps the country to become 100 pc open defecation free," Panda said.
     The film captures Pichku's (Tathastu) journey from Mumbai slums to Delhi all with the dream of owning a personal toilet against his father's (Ranvir Shorey) wish.
    "And he makes a toilet for himself, it is a very simple story. The biggest question in the film was how to talk about s##t and toilet, yet it is very interesting. Hope you all enjoy the film, take it everywhere, spread it everywhere," the director said.
     The film so far has been selected at several international film festivals and won the Grand Prix for the best film at the Kinolub Festival for Children and Youth, Poland.
     Puri also said that the message of cleanliness spread through this film will resonate with other countries as well.
     "Swacch Bharat Abhiyan is succeeding because people like the director and the producer of this film have captured the essence, the kernel of the message and put it into a medium which helps us convey the message even stronger.
     "I have absolutely no doubt that when this film is taken in the context of the Swacch Bharat Mission will resonate within India and I have no doubt it will resonate with other countries of the world which face similar developmental challenge," the minister said.
     The event was also attended by famous musical trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, who have also created the music for 'Halkaa'.
     The movie will be released across country on September 7. PTI MAH BK
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