Anu Prabhakar Mukherjee’s Saara Vajra to hit theatres on May 20

When Saara Vajra releases in theatres on May 20, it will be a comeback of sorts for actress Anu Prabhakar Mukherjee, given that the film has her in the lead. Directed by Aarna Sadya, Saara Vajra is based on the novel Vajragalu by award-winning Kannada writer, Saara Abubakkar and has Anu play Nafisa. Vajragalu is a tale of a woman who faces several odds in her life and explores how she deals with these ordeals. The film follows Nafisa’s life from a young age, marriage, kids, divorce, etc., between the ages of 16 and 60, and shows the issues she faces because of her status as a divorcee.

Speaking to the media, Aarna has been quoted as saying that Saara Vajra explores the humiliations Saara goes through and that how society perceives such women forms the crux of the subject. The filmmaker had apparently approached several other actresses before zeroing in on Anu, but was disillusioned when they were more interested in discussing remuneration than understanding the role and the backdrop of the story, as narrated in the novel. Anu, on the other hand, read the novel and then agreed to be a part of the film, which offers her a performance-oriented role.

Vajragalu is based on the Byari community in Kasargod, which writer Sara belongs to and forms the basis for Aarna’s film as well. The filmmaker shot in original locations, where members of the community live. Anu has been quoted as saying that it was challenging for the team to handle a story that revolves around a sensitive subject.

Produced by Devendra Reddy for Sambrama Dream House, the film also stars Sudha Belwadi, Rehmaan Hassan and Ramesh Bhat in pivotal roles. The film was supposed to release in 2020, but was delayed owing to the pandemic. The film will now release in theatres along with Garuda and 21 Hours on May 20.