‘Farhana’ is not an agenda or propaganda film: Director Nelson Venkatesan

At a press conference held on Saturday, 6 May, director Nelson Venkatesan told the media that the film has not been written or made to lower the status of his “Islamic friends nor has it been written to create a controversy”.

“I wanted to tell an engaging story with an engaging background. This is not a film with an agenda nor is it a propaganda film. This is a good film,” he asserted.

About choosing Muslim background

Aishwarya Rajesh during the promotions of ‘Farhana’. (Supplied)

The director also recollected an instance when he was asked by an interviewer why this story had been set in an Islamic background.

“I wish to respond to this query with a question of my own — ‘Why even ask me such a question?’ There are so many films in Malayalam and Hindi the stories of which have been set against an Islamic backdrop.”

Also Read: Actor Dheekshith Shetty gets candid about his latest release Dasara

Revealing that he chose an Islamic background because he grew up in a Muslim neighbourhood, Nelson Venkatesan wondered why people are making it into a big issue when he makes a film based on the life of somebody who lives next door.

“I was born and brought up in Pudupettai. I grew up there from the time I was just five. I was surrounded by Muslims and some of my family’s close relatives are Muslims. When I get on to the roads and meet people, a considerable percentage of them are Muslims,” the filmmaker said.

Here we come with an inspiring story of Farhana in 4 days! Mark your calendars for May 12.@aishu_dil @selvaraghavan @JithanRamesh @aishwaryadutta6 @anumolofficial @justin_tunes @gokulbenoy @EditorSabu @nelsonvenkat @prabhu_sr#ஃபர்ஹானா #ఫర్హానా #फरहाना #FarhnanaMovie… pic.twitter.com/b4yCtH0W1s

— DreamWarriorPictures (@DreamWarriorpic) May 8, 2023

‘Made with taste, not for propaganda’

The cast and crew of ‘Farhana’ at the press meet. (Supplied)

Nelson Venkatesan’s debut film Oru Naal Koothu (One Day’s Ado, 2016) was a simple, slice-of-life drama. His next, Monster (2019), was a live-action comedy.

“I wanted my third film to be different. I wanted to present the story in a particular backdrop that I’m familiar with. I got the story idea as I’ve spent most of my life in Pudupettai. I made Farhana in such a way that I can watch it along with my Muslim friends,” the director explained.

Also Read: Director Akhil Sathyan on his debut film Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum

Despite the allegations being levelled against the movie, Nelson stated that he was able to hold his head high and speak to the media as Farhana has nothing defamatory.

“Farhana is like walking on a razor’s edge. But I assure you that people of all religions and women will enjoy watching it. It is a movie made with taste and not for propaganda. All my Islamic friends can boldly watch Farhana with their families in theatres,” Nelson Venkatesan added.

#Farhanamovie promotions kick starts !

Angels of #Farhana 😍@aishu_dil @Aishwaryadutta6 @Anumolofficial #FarhanafromMay12 @selvaraghavan @JithanRamesh @justin_tunes @gokulbenoy @EditorSabu @nelsonvenkat @prabhu_sr #ஃபர்ஹானா pic.twitter.com/Vxt7TQBeWG

— DreamWarriorPictures (@DreamWarriorpic) May 5, 2023