Renowned filmmaker Tanuja Chandra considers it her calling to bring forth stories about women, a commitment evident in her diverse works like "Dushman" and "Sangharsh," and now, the docu-series "Wedding.con" available on Prime Video. In a recent interview, Chandra shared that her initial foray into filmmaking coincided with a scarcity of female directors and stories centered around women.
"I feel it is extremely fresh," Chandra said, emphasizing her dedication to exploring the untapped potential within the "female genre." The director, known for the film "Qarib Qarib Singlle," believes there is a wealth of unexplored narratives waiting to be told in this domain.
"Wedding.con" delves into the struggles faced by single women under societal pressure to marry, often becoming targets for online scams. Chandra expressed her shock upon discovering the prevalence of such frauds and admitted her own lack of awareness, despite being active in the digital realm.
Approached by BBC Studios two years ago, Chandra decided to direct the docu-series and shed light on these scams. The series narrates the stories of five women who, in their pursuit of the perfect life partner, become victims of financial and emotional exploitation by online fraudsters.
Chandra's approach to the project was rooted in building trust with the women involved, ensuring a non-judgmental stance throughout. She highlighted the unfortunate reality that many victims were reluctant to share their experiences on camera due to shame.
The docu-series extends beyond exposing online scams, addressing the societal pressures that create an environment conducive to such crimes. Chandra emphasized the cultural emphasis on marriage as the ultimate goal, making women susceptible to exploitation.
While acknowledging that both men and women can fall victim to scams, Chandra chose to focus on women, citing the importance of prioritizing their stories in an unequal society. She hopes "Wedding.con" serves as a precedent, paving the way for more female-driven narratives in the future.
(With Agency Inputs)
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