Mrityunjay Devvrat: Children of War, a tribute to victims of unparalleled barbarity

Controversial film ‘The Bastard Child’ now called ‘The Children of War’ will hit theatres on Febraury 21. Director Mrityunjay Devrrat tells The Hans India how the facts in the movie will stir the conscience of many.

He also talks about why the gut-wrenching The Children of War is banned in Pakistan and how the movie is more about humanity than anything else...

We understand that the film is about reconstruction of events that happened in Bangladesh. Tell us more about Children of War.

Children of war is situated and historically placed in Bangladesh but more about humanity. It is a movie that exposes how man can become an animal in search of power.

The movie begins in March 1971 and covers a period of nine months showcasing the atrocities and the crude inhumane methods adopted by the military of West Pakistan. With the support of powerful countries the Pakistani soldiers go on a rampage killing and raping hundreds of thousands of men and women across the region.

This movie is an attempt to bring out the truth that has been hidden from the eyes of the world for far too long. It is an expression of the double standards of the people of the world who looked away and continue to do so today not wanting to shed light or stop and think about an event so gruesome that could put even the widely covered holocaust to shame.

This film is a small tribute to all those victims of this unparalleled barbarity.

The Bastard Child, isn’t the title derogatory?

No. The term Bastard in itself is not derogatory and neither is the meaning. The word is a formal definition for a child born out of wedlock. It becomes derogatory when society chooses to misconstrue it and use it in an abusive manner.

After the war in 71 many women were left abandoned to bear children of the Pakistani soldiers that had raped them. They had paid the highest price for freedom and yet some of them have not got their deserved place in society.

“In 1971, The Pakistani Army in a ruthless quest for power used rape and religion as weapons of war to oppress a part of then their own country.”

The change has to be within us; we must start accepting these women; their children and not use a definition to demean or torture their sensibilities. What would we rather have? Would we have these women marry their rapists just so that their children are no longer defined by the word Bastard? Or should we as a society learn to change/accept and include our fellow human beings all by choosing to re work on ‘our’ definition of the word.

Eventually we must grow up!

What is all the controversy surrounding the movie about?

I have no idea! First it was the name and now the fact that it has been banned in Pakistan. Maybe it is because we are asking some uncomfortable questions. Maybe it is because we are telling a story that was never supposed to be told.

Here are the facts, in 1971 The Pakistani Army in a ruthless quest for power used rape and religion as weapons of war to oppress a part of then their own country; East Pakistan. They proceeded to rape 2,000 women a day and massacred 300,000 people in an attempt to genetically engineer the future race of the region and to destroy all rebellion against their unjust and inhumane reasoning.

What could be the reason to hide such an event? What could be the reason that an event so gruesome that could put the widely covered holocaust to shame has never been narrated?

People are afraid that this movie will finally bring to light the heinous crimes they have committed, they are afraid that the world will watch and finally decide to act!

When we set out to make this movie we knew we were going to bring out facts that are going to stir the conscience of many and that is exactly what we have done. Controversy or not we are telling a true story and we will not back down from showing it to as many people as we can. Truth is on our side.

Why explore such a sensitive subject after all these years?

Why not? We are curious people us humans, always wanting to explore the unexplored, always asking questions; always seeking answers.

Sometimes on our path we come across questions that have remained unanswered. Questions that should have been given closure a long time back.

The world did not pay attention to Bengali suffering then and they are not paying attention to them now. Forty-two years after this genocide; women, children and men still look for justice and it is nowhere to be found.

We are only trying to bring their story and their scream for justice to you. Let us listen; let us give closure by accepting, apologizing and helping!

A movie such as this demands extensive research and collection of facts. How did you go about the process?

I am of the belief that no matter what the subject, any script needs to be placed on solid foundations of research. (Which we seldom see in our movies any longer) However, the process of our film started with setting up a core team that went through books, official reports and spoke to survivors and victims of the unfortunate events of 71. It is their gut-wrenching stories and narrations that we built this script around.

Further collaboration and fact collection was done by visiting Bangladesh, speaking to friends there and getting information / first hand narrations from war veterans who had helped liberate Bangladesh. The Indian Army had played a key role in ending the genocide and there was a wealth of information to draw from right here at home.

Of course we had to fictionalize certain scenes and situations but the research was taken up very seriously and continued all the way through to our post-production stages. I am very glad that we had some marvelous brains working on this aspect, because of which we were able to unearth vital information about the events of 1971.

Tell us about the characters in the film. Any particular aspects to watch out for in the movie?

Every aspect of this movie is a spectacle; from the stunning cinematography, the authenticity that is infused by brilliant production design, costumes and make up to the meticulous edit that brings forth a 3 way screenplay this movie will amaze you further with its magnificent music.

It is safe to say that put together in a period of nine months without a single dub and 100% sync sound this movie is going to set new technical benchmarks…

… and I haven’t even spoken about the acting yet!

In my very first film I have had the priceless opportunity to learn from the finest actors; while FarooqSahb and Victor Sir brought with them a wealth of knowledge and thundered down scene after scene, Pavan Sir and Tillotama Di just made me stand in awe of their exquisiteness. I do not think you will set eyes upon two better actors nor will you ever be able to forget their portrayal of ‘Malik’ and ‘Bhitika’.

That’s not all though, Raima and Indraniel have given it their all to bring this story to life and watching them perform was a sheer joy, while Master Riddhi has pulled of a performance of a lifetime. To be so young and yet so brilliant! You are sure to fall in love with him, as with the new comers, Rucha and Shatrunjay who have mesmerized with their performances.

You ask me what aspects to watch out for, watch out for the package not just any one thing!

How was it working with the late actor FarooqShaikh?

It was an Honor!

There is no other way to describe the feeling.

We all know he was a fabulous actor but what made him a legend was that he was an even better human being. His ‘tehzeeb’ and the gentleness with which he spoke could erase all the worries in the world and bring a smile to your face.

"Shouldn’t our kids be shown a movie on a plot that might repel them from things such as rape, murder and inhumanity?"

Having him on the sets not just encouraged and motivated me but also made me realize the value of humility and hard work. His words as his teachings will remain with me forever and I will cherish and try and imbibe them in everything I do.

How has the sensor board reacted to the movie?

They were very gracious in watching, suggesting and understanding. Unfortunately the name had to be changed on their suggestion but we can’t blame only them…

Again it is up to us as a society and audience to build a tolerance and ask questions. I would like to ask when we have last stood up and fought for a film? Shouldn’t we make the decision if our kids should be shown a movie on a plot that might repel them from things such as rape, murder and inhumanity or should we allow them to watch a U movie in which dangerous driving, questionable morals and item numbers objectify women? Which do you think is more harmful? Is being a Gunda the new ambition?

I have got an A and I am allowed to show my movie in India. The choice however remains yours.

The movie majorly focuses on rape. Given that the crime against women is on the rise, especially in India do you think your movie will strike a chord with the audience?

I cringe when you ask me this. It’s not as easy an answer as it may seem.

If I think about it then yes, but the movie will do something beyond that. Many women cannot imagine themselves in that situation forget about us men; it is with this intent that we created some scenes that will make you shudder at being a silent spectator.

The idea was to make the audience feel repulsed by the act so much so, that they do not even entertain a thought of pardoning such criminals let alone let them commit such crimes in broad daylight.

The fight against rape is not something that is applicable only to India, but to the rest of the world as well. Whether it is one woman or a thousand that have been wronged, rape is something that should be dealt with the strictest form of punishment that can be imagined.

In that sense yes I see the movie striking a chord and making any audience anywhere get up and fight for justice for the women who wronged back then and the women who have been wronged now.

How do you rate offbeat and realistic films in India when compared to foreign countries?

There is nothing to rate. It is unfair to judge any filmmaker or their work without knowing under which circumstances the film was made. Unfortunately in our country despite the talent available we are not able to create truly world-class cinema because of the lack of funds and the lack of transparency in the whole distribution and exhibition system. There are no pathways an aspiring filmmaker can follow; the entire setup is run on the whims and fancies of a few people. You are either with them or against them.

If they think your film is good it will play or else it won’t. There are so many good films rotting in basements of large studios that are too afraid to spend pocket change on it to release them. Maybe the authorities should now intervene and say that every alternate Friday belongs to alternate cinema.

But the powerful will not let that happen, because very soon the audience will start realizing that what you call off beat; is real cinema!

Do you have to say anything to the critics? How would you silence them?

Why do I have to silence them?

There are two ways to look at this: First if we are talking about Film Critics then I welcome them. I would love to hear what they have to say about the movie good or bad! I am here to learn not to emphasize that I am the best. I would feel happy about the good and try and iron out the negatives in my next so that I can make a better film.

One thing I assure you, they will see the passion and the burning desire within to excel. They will see that honest, hard working professionals have put their heart and soul in this and unlike money-making rackets that they call films these days we are hear to listen, learn and create something even better with our next.

On the other hand if you are talking about critics who generally like to critique; then do I even need to bother? Like I said, the truth is on our side.

Finally, your last thoughts on the movie.

There are none.

There is a beginning thought though.

Let us all get together and create magic with cinema,

Let us bring to light subjects that have been cast side,

Let us with all the strength and honesty and love that we have,

Bring back cinema to life.

I hope everyone finds it in them to give a chance to our efforts and see the story that has been hidden from them for so long. If not for anything then for a nation, that needs its story told…