In his upcoming film, actor Om Puri will be playing the character of a man who transforms from being a supporter of honour killings to someone who detests it. “I had been reading about it in the papers constantly before I started work on the film. It is a pertinent and very significant issue currently in the news. I personally feel that honour killings steps into the other individual’s freedom to love and life,” says Om.
Om plays the sarpanch of the village who has been a staunch supporter of the pratha but after losing his grand daughter to the cruel custom decides to change the rules. Puri says that he did the film because it gives out an important message. “Killing is not the solution to the situation where two people from different castes or communities get together,” he says, adding, “The custom is just too conservative.”
The film, directed by Ajai Sinha, deals with the sensitive issue that has been constantly in the news for many real life cases. “It is inspired from two real life cases but we do not name any of the characters from real life. The film talks not only about honour killings but also deals with the dominance of the khap panchayats in the society,” says Om.
Om feels that the film might get in the middle of a controversy as it takes a stand.
“There may be a controversy as the film talks about a very important issue. Many allow this custom to go on for vote backs. The film ends with a law coming into place against people who are party to it,” he says.
