First indigenous Nepali film on AIDS awareness from Sikkim

Gangtok, May 21 (UNI) The first indigenous Nepali film on AIDS awareness-''Tyag'' is being produced from Sikkim.

Urban Housing and Development Minister D D Bhutia clapped off the mahurat shot of the film yesterday which also advocates the fight against women exploitation.

The film is being made under the banner of local entertainment company 'Kala Multimedia' and is scheduled to hit the screens in September this year.

Ranjit Singh, script writer and director of the film, said the entire cast had been drawn from the local talent pool.

''All the shooting will be done in the state. We want to specially highlight the beautiful locations of the state,'' he said.

Although the film would be done on commercial lines, it would also carry social messages, Mr Singh said.

''The film will focus on AIDS awareness and fight against women exploitation, '' he said.

''The budget of the film is around Rs 40 lakh and shooting is slated to be completed in a couple of months. All the post production works will be done in Hyderabad,'' he maintained.

''In the past, a couple of Nepali films were produced from Sikkim with locals having only a token presence. However, this film will be a total a Sikkim product,'' Mr Singh observed.

Except for the shooting equipment and other technical aspects, the production company would be utilising all the local resources, including the lead cast for the film. Upcoming artistes Devang Sunar and Nividita Pariyar had been selected for the lead roles.

''We want our local talents to venture into the field of arts and drama as there is enough space for them in these areas,'' said Mr Bhutia on the occasion.

UNI