The film DEVARI, executive produced by Martin Scorsese, tells the true story of friendship between a Muslim and a Dalit during the COVID-19 pandemic. The movie is based on a viral photograph and the struggles faced by marginalized communities in India. The film has gathered up medals along the way, then was selected by India for consideration for an Oscar in the foreign film category.
The viral photograph, captured during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in India , depicts a poignant scene of friendship and human connection. Mohammad Saiyub, a Muslim, cradles his ailing childhood friend Amrit Kumar, a Hindu Dalit , by the roadside.
This image, which resonated deeply with many, particularly highlighted the complexities and challenges of communal relations in India, a country where a decade of Hindu nationalist rule under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had significantly polarized society. The photograph's impact extended beyond the initial shock and empathy, inspiring the award-winning film DEVARI, a cinematic exploration of their bond and the struggles faced by marginalized communities during the pandemic. The film, backed by the legendary Martin Scorsese under a cloak of secrecy to protect the project from potential media scrutiny, delves into the true story of Saiyub and Kumar, garment factory workers whose lives were upended by the government's response to the pandemic. The narrative explores their journey, their attempts to navigate a discriminatory society, and the ultimate tragedy that befell them. The film's director, a Dalit himself, connected deeply with the story, fueled by his own experiences of concealing his identity to avoid discrimination, adding a layer of personal significance to the project.\The film DEVARI, which means 'gods' in Hindi, meticulously portrays the backdrop of the pandemic's impact on migrant workers in India. With industries and transportation shut down, millions of low-wage migrant workers were stranded, facing hunger and desperation. They attempted to return to their villages, often traveling hundreds of miles on foot or hitching rides in scorching summer heat. This exodus, reminiscent of the Dust Bowl era in the United States, underscored the vulnerability of these workers and the government's perceived lack of preparedness. The film follows the two men as they are trying to get home. Kumar falls ill and is expelled from the truck. Saiyub remains with his friend, refusing to abandon him despite pressure to leave. This act of unwavering loyalty and care, captured in the now-iconic photograph, highlights the enduring power of friendship against the backdrop of societal divisions and hardship. The filmmaker's approach was deliberate and cautious, protecting the film. The film made the rounds of film festivals, gathered up medals along the way, then was selected by India for consideration for an Oscar in the foreign film category. It even made it to the prestigious shortlist — a rare feat for any Indian movie.\The genesis of DEVARI lies in the viral photograph and the essay that accompanied it. The photograph, showing Saiyub's care for Kumar, moved many people. The director recognized the significance of this act of friendship and the broader context of Hindu-Muslim relations in contemporary India. The men’s story quickly drew attention to the routine vilification of Muslims by Hindu nationalists, including members of the AI video. The director, after reading the essay, was immediately drawn to the tender friendship between a Muslim and a Dalit Hindu. The director, who was born into a Dalit family, understood the impact the discrimination can have on people. The photo was taken when the Modi government shut down most industries and transport to prevent the spread of the virus. The photograph also served as a catalyst for deeper reflections on societal fractures and the plight of marginalized communities. The photo caught the eye of a director, who decided to turn it into a film. The director was also affected by a personal reason: he was born into a Dalit family but concealed that information for much of his life, fearing rejection by his upper-caste peers if he told them the truth about who he was. Saiyub ultimately returned home with his friend's body and had to dig his best friend's grave. Their story, both in the photograph and the subsequent film, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, resilience, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity
DEVARI COVID-19 India Friendship Dalit
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