Source: YouTube
Introduction
Movie’s Name - Thombidi Nelalu
Directed by - Kranthi Kumar
Genre - Movie
Language - Telugu
Plot Synopsis
This commercial movie released in 2001 emphasizes society's acceptance of surrogacy. This is a drama based on the story of a village girl who accidentally marries a software programmer. A happy family and a wife burdened by the tragic accident of her husband.
A woman accepts an unusual proposal to cover the cost of her husband's expensive surgery. As a surrogate mother for a wealthy couple, she begins to face problems. The film concludes by revealing society's opinion on surrogacy
About the Director
In addition to being a director, producer, and screenwriter, Talasla Kranthi Kumar was also a screenwriter. Two Filmfare Awards and four Nandi Awards were bestowed upon him. He directed Sravanthi, the winner of the National Film Award in Telugu in 1985.
His film ‘Seetharamayya Gari Manavaralu’ premiered at the 1991 International Film Festival of India, in the Indian panorama section. The Toronto International Film Festival screened 9 Nelalu, his 2001 film.
Source: YouTube
About the Movie
In 2001, the film opened to positive reviews from critics. Featuring Vikram and Soundarya, this movie has been a top-notch success for both actors. Filmed in 15 days, this is an absolutely thought-provoking movie. After being screened at Toronto International Film Festival, Kanden Seethaiyai was subtly reshot in Tamil and released in the following year.
Psychological Analysis
As a village girl, Soundarya, the versatile actress from South Indian cinema, plays the lead role. The whole movie is filled with her innocence. Vikram, a software developer, played the role of a confused husband. Perfect casting and costumes make this movie a pleasure to watch.
The movie shows state-of-the-art depictions of surrogacy at a time when it was quite unusual in Indian society. ‘9 Nelalu’ (meaning 9 months) is symbolic of the importance of a woman's life, as the title mentions. The movie beautifully captures an innocent mother's emotions during childbirth.
Here, surrogacy is seen as a crime committed by a woman abusing her own body to save the life of her husband. Throughout the movie, the director tries to explain to the viewer that surrogacy does not involve sexual activity. Even the society that accepts anything doesn't easily accept the act of bearing a child without sex. Throughout the narration, there is a subtle mention of the humiliation the couple faces as a result of surrogacy.
Savithri's innocence is amazing in Soundarya's performance. When her husband becomes aware of surrogacy and feels humiliated by it, she responds innocently to him, “the act that everyone does, does not attract any attention or fame, so it should be something extraordinary” as always mentioned by her husband.
As Savithri wishes during her divorce interrogation, the topic of surrogacy becomes a public discussion. There is an exchange of opinions here, where some think surrogacy is wrong, and others think it is not.
Source: Idlebrain
The comparison of surrogacy to Karna's birth without sexual act is one of the thoughts that arise in the due course of discussion. Additionally, a discussion on the donation of semen is raised. This ensures that you will stay focused on the movie throughout its entirety. Despite what you may deny, you will think about surrogacy and childbirth for the next few days if you watch this movie.
Famous Quotes
Savithri defends her decision to have artificial insemination done in a scene where she witnesses the Judge questioning her about her mistake:
“Nenu chesindi tappe aithe, asalu ilaanti paddhatilu kanipettinde tappu, mandulu kanipettadam tappu, pillalu puttakunda operation cheyinchukodam tappu, chikitsalu tappu, doctor lu tappu, naa kruthrima garbhalu tappaite, manushyala avasaraaniki kanipettina paddhathilanni tappe, aapeyandi ilaanti paddhatulani, ilaanti paddhatulani kanipettoddani shasanam cheyandi”
Translation: If my action was wrong, then inventing such technology would also be wrong. Sterilization is wrong, as is inventing medicines. Any technique that eases a man's life is wrong if my artificial insemination is wrong. It's time to stop inventing techniques like this. Make laws to prevent this from happening.
The Bottom Line
Take a few minutes to watch this movie and understand what surrogacy is and how it is practiced in our society.
You can watch the full movie on YouTube - Thombidi Nelalu
My Ratings for the movie - 4 on 5
Written By - Dr. Nayana Shree Suresh
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