Catholic Church ties up with noted filmmaker to produce movie on HIV/AIDS

New Delhi – The Catholic Church in India is making serious attempts in educating the Indian population about the dangers of unsafe sex and is preparing a movie that will highlight the problems of people living with HIV/AIDS.

The Delhi Archdiocesan Media and Information Centre has joined hands with a noted Hindi filmmaker, Mahesh Bhatt, in the production and direction of the commercial film.

“This is the first ever instance of India’s Catholic Church producing a commercial film,” said Fr. Dominic Emmanuel, spokesperson of the Delhi Catholic Archdiocese.

“There are people who have made video films more along the documentary style, but this is purely a Bollywood formula with songs and dances,” he said.

The film, titled, “Aisa Kyon Hota Hain” (Why does this happen?), contains dialogues in Hindi and the plot revolves around the life of an HIV–positive character. According to news reports, the movie is set for release in July or August.

Bollywood actress Rati Agnihotri will be playing the lead role of a woman who single–handedly raises her son after finding that her husband has cheated on her.

Agnihotri is proud of her son, who excels in academics and sports, but the boy played by newcomer Aryan Vaid – better known as the winner of the Mr International 2000 title – does not believe in love and commitment.

"The film deals with the consequences of this," Fr. Emmanuel said, who plays the role of a college principal in the film.

"The boy tests HIV positive (because of his relationships). But this is not a bleak film, it offers hope with the heroine professing her love for the hero even after the disclosure that he is HIV positive," he said.

The movie, though produced on a modest budget of USD 2,85,000, is expected to draw a considerable crowd as Vishesh Films, the production company of Mahesh Bhatt, will be responsible for the launch and publicity of the film.

“Mr. Bhatt’s involvement was aimed at ensuring the film does not become preachy ... but retains its place in the genre of entertainment,” said Fr. Emmanuel.

"Films are the most popular medium in India ... You find more people in the cinema than in the church. So why should the church not reach where you get the masses?” said Mahesh Bhatt when asked about this unique tie–up.

The film, shot in Mumbai, will be dubbed into Tamil and Telugu languages of the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh respectively, which are home to many of India’s 5.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS.

“Profit certainly is not the motive of making this film. It is just using the vehicle of entertainment to put across a message,” Fr. Emmanuel said.

“The film communicates hope without preaching…People should know the HIV virus has moved from high–risk groups to the common population. Even families as a whole can watch the film without any feeling of awkwardness,” said Mr. Ajay Kanchan, the movie director.

Besides focusing on HIV/AIDS, the movie also has an underlying theme – communal harmony.

According to Fr. Emmanuel, the introduction of this element was necessary after the 2002 riots in Gujarat that has claimed over 2000 lives.

Director Kanchan agrees. "Father Dominic came to us and said he was deeply concerned about the breakdown of familial ties and communal issues that are vitiating the atmosphere (of secular India) ... how communities are getting polarized."

When asked how the issue will be portrayed, Fr. Emmanuel said, "The villain who is a college boy brings up the issue of Hindu–Muslim or religious differences everywhere – in the college canteen, on the basketball court, everywhere…Ultimately he is expelled for trying to inflame sectarian passions.”

Lack of a big–name cast is no problem, Fr. Emmanuel argued as it is compensated by a strong story line and catchy numbers that should attract young filmgoers.

"The story idea is original. It's a very youthful film with a strong emotional resonance," he said.

Fr. Emmanuel is unperturbed that other movies on similar topics by top Bollywood producers such as Subhash Ghai or Yash Chopra have been box office flops. "There's no sure formula for success," he said, hoping that this movie can win an international release.