The Kannada film Tayavva, produced by Amara Films and released in theaters today, courageously addresses the sensitive issue of female infanticide. The film steers clear of conventional fight or song sequences, instead delivering a powerful message: every child, irrespective of gender, deserves the right to live.
The trailer of this poignant movie was recently unveiled by Kannada superstar Kiccha Sudeep, adding significant attention to the project. Notably, Sudeep’s debut film was also titled Tayavva, a symbolic connection that enriches the narrative’s legacy.
It recently spoke with lead actress Geetha Priya and director Pradeep, known for his work on Out Of Syllabus, who shared insights about the film’s core themes and its societal impact.
The Wisdom of Sulagittis: A Spiritual Connection to Life
Geetha Priya, portraying a sulagitti (midwife) in the film, highlights the spiritual and intuitive role these women play during childbirth. Beyond their expertise in Ayurvedic remedies, sulagittis are believed to possess a ‘sixth sense’ regarding the baby’s gender. She contrasts the past, when women’s physically active lifestyles helped ease childbirth, with today’s more sedentary habits that challenge maternal health.
Celebrating the Female Child
Geetha fondly recalls the joyous celebration of her own daughter’s birth — a stark contrast to the harsh realities faced in many rural parts of India, where girl children are often viewed as burdens. The film stresses that a child’s gender is determined by chromosomes inherited from both parents, not just the mother.
Pradeep elaborates, “Tayavva confronts the harmful misconception that a girl child is a curse. This movie delivers a crucial message: all children are valuable, regardless of gender.” He hopes the movie will leave a lasting impact and inspire societal change regarding the treatment of female children.
In an era where men and women excel equally across all fields, from science to sports, Tayavva dives deep into the biological reality of X and Y chromosomes, a concept introduced in high school biology but often misunderstood in society. Pradeep emphasizes that truly grasping this science’s implications is essential for progress.
Geetha concludes, “Women are undefeatable. Whether as scientists or athletes, women are excelling everywhere. Films like Tayavva offer a powerful medium to educate audiences and deliver important messages, which is exactly what we aim to achieve.”
This compelling movie invites audiences not only to reflect on a critical social issue but also to celebrate the dignity and worth of every child, making it a must-watch in today’s cinematic landscape.
