Director Vijay T Alexander, who helmed Aridharam six years ago, is back with Indragobai, which will release next month. Quiz him on the intriguing title; he says it refers to an insect, which doesn’t live for long. “Insects in our country are poorly known, that’s why many don’t know the exact names. We still have over a lakh species to identify,” he adds. But what connection does this insect has with the movie? “Indragobai is short-lived and so is love. I want to convey a message to today’s youth,” smiles the filmmaker.
Alexander, who has been in the industry circuit for more than two decades elaborates, “The story is based on a real-life incident that happened during 90s. We want everyone not to love another individual, but only that person’s caste, social class or religion. The plot revolves around two youngsters who decide to leave their parents, get married against their families’ wishes. What happens when someone loves against their caste and community, has been narrated in a realistic way. I have shown that honour killings still exists in Tamil Nadu.”
He goes on to add, “In many parts of Tamil Nadu, inter-caste marriages, are still a problem. Also sometime ago, the death of the recent Dalit youth Ilavarasan of Dharmapuri district, who married Divya, a Vanniyar girl, was much talked-about. But most of the cases are being covered-up. The society has to become more tolerant and sensitive, so that we can change for the better.” Shot extensively in and around Kambam, Kurangini Hills, Theni, Kodaikanal, Indragobai has Raju, Asha Latha, Vikki, Manju and Jayalakshmi in pivotal roles.