Avni, a 7 year-old girl lives with her mother, Malti and her brother, Navin. Malti, a single mother works in fields, she sends Navin to school, but keeps Avni home for chores. With an undying desire to study, Avni finds an ingenious way to learn. Avni secretly runs to her brother’s school. She quietly stands outside the window and picks up what is being taught in the class.
One day, Navin catches Avni, he tells Malti. Avni gets punished, but her determination only grows stronger. She makes the entire village her classroom. She starts using village walls as her blackboard. One evening in the market Avni steps in and saves her mother from getting duped by the shopkeeper. This incident comes as a big shock to Malti. First time Malti sees Avni in a different light.
The same night Malti is reduced to tears when finds Avni on the terrace alone reciting a poem. Next day Malti follows Avni. She is astounded when she looks at back wall of the school entirely full of words and scribblings by Avni.
Malti is overwhelmed by her daughter’s desire and passion for learning. Would this moment be enough for Malti to empower Avni?
Tej Sisodia
Tej Sisodia is a screenwriter and independent filmmaker based in Mumbai India. Born and brought up in a small village in North India, His life journey inspired him to write stories about his experiences and observations about rural and urban India. A self taught screenplay writer, he wrote and directed his first short film RAAKH, which got selected and received an overwhelming response at many film festivals. He wrote a short film MUNNA KA BACHPAN, the film released on jio cinema. The sensitivity of human emotions is the driving force for him as a storyteller, it’s his endeavor to bring stories of such simple and real people to screen.
Director’s Statement
Having come from a small village in North India myself, I have seen and witnessed first hand, the poor state of affairs when it comes to the education of women. This story has been within me for a long time as I have been raised in an environment like this. Even though there have been many efforts taken to improve the condition of women and their education in villages in India – the deeply entrenched patriarchy and mental conditioning of people has made sure that the status quo does not change. A deep rooted connection with extremely rigid gender roles and trans – generational illiteracy has perpetuated the rejection of the idea of a literate, empowered and independent woman in India. This film is my small step towards making the change I want to see. I want to screen this film at different villages, cities and countries across the world. If this film can change the perception of even one parent like Malti or persuade a child like Avni to follow her dream then my goal would be achieved. This is my attempt to use the power of cinema to drive a change albeit at a small level but a step forward nonetheless.
Sanvikaa "Malti" Panchayat Web series on Amazon Prime -
Upasna Jadhav "Avni" -
Gorkey Patwal, Director of Photography -
Piyush Gwari, Director of Photography -
Kisaloy Roy, Music -
Asad Raza Khan, Sound design -
Shivam Pal, First AD -
Shashwat Tripathi, Production Manager -
Shivyank Dixit, Casting Director -
Umesh Suryavanshi, BTS and Ad
