Shukranu: Divyenndu Sharma’s Film Gives India’s Sterilization Drive During Emergency A Funny Take

A slice-of-life comedy, “Shukranu“, will recount India’s sterilization drive during Emergency of the seventies. The film marks the digital debut for producers Reliance Entertainment and is directed by National Award winner Bishnu Dev Halder. It features Divyenndu Sharma, Shweta Basu Prasad and Sheetal Thakur as its primary cast.

“‘Shukranu’ is a humorous take on one of the dark phases of our democracy when the government’s family planning programme was forced upon the people. The idea is to make people laugh while talking about a serious issue. The story dives deep into the many comical situations the protagonist Inder, essayed by Divyenndu, faces when he is forced to undergo sterilization. We have had multiple narrations and all of them have reverberated with laughter,” said Halder.

The actors are excited too.

“My character Inder goes through a lot of emotions as a result of forced sterilization which makes it a challenge to play as we want it to be sensitive and entertaining both,” said Divyenndu.

Talking about the film, Shweta said: “This subject is so interesting and not explored before. We recently started shooting the film and are sure that it will create a ripple of laughter amongst audiences.”

Adding to this, Sheetal said: “‘Shukranu’ is a unique script and I am ecstatic to be part of it. Working with Divyenndu, Shweta and the entire cast has been amazing so far.”