Our films always avoid speaking about caste, says Amol Palekar

Sarthak Dasgupta’s Zee5 drama 200: Halla Ho is based on the aftermath of the killing of the gangster and mass rapist Bharat Kalicharan aka Akku Yadav by 200 Dalit women in 2004. The film stars veteran artiste Amol Palekar as a retired judge, who heads a fact-finding committee.

During the online press conference for the film, Palekar said he was impressed with how the film handles the issue of caste. “In our films, we always avoid speaking about caste issues or it always remains invisible, with, of course, few exceptions. What I really liked about this script was that it wasn’t beating around the bush and straightaway addressed the issue,” he said.

The actor also said the film boldly highlights women's issues. “Again, we shy away from speaking about women who are oppressed and socially victimized. But over here, instead of shying away, it is the core of the film. I look at it as a tribute to their mass protest; their refusal to succumb to the atrocities of caste and patriarchy. Also, the film doesn’t make a hue and cry about portraying these things,” he said. 

The film sees Sahil Khattar play a character called Balli Chaudhary, who is modelled on Akku Yadav.

It also stars Rinku Rajguru, Barun Sobti, Saloni Batra and Upendra Limaye. 

Explaining why he had signed on for the film, Palekar said, “It is not a wishful narration of women’s victory. It is based on true events. The way these true events are interpreted was something I liked a lot. And that’s why I said yes immediately.”

Palekar said that his character himself is a Dalit. “He has crossed many hurdles being a Dalit. He has come to a stage where he doesn’t use his Dalit card. He doesn’t wear it on his sleeve. Therefore, he has gone beyond these caste issues. But at the same time, he doesn’t remain a bystander,” he said.

200: Halla Ho will be released on 20 August.