Maharashtra farmer sells land to make film on draught in Nashik

A farmer from the draught-hit Shrigonda taluka of Ahmednagar district sold his land to raise Rs 85 lakh to produce a Marathi movie on the ordeal of the farmers. Everyone in his family was shocked at the idea but Bhaurav Karade managed to influence his family members.

Now, after a year, the Marathi film Khwada has won several accolades and awards for its sensitive depiction of the pain and struggle of the draught-hit farmers. 

Khwada which means obstacles in Marathi was released on Friday and was entirely shot in Karade's native Ahmednagar district, even the actors of the film were from surrounding rural areas, an English daily reported.

Talking about his determination to come up with such a film, the 35-year-old debutant Bhaurav said, "I suggested to my family that instead of holding onto the land and committing suicide later due to debt, we should sell it off and make a movie. I told them let's do something creative, something that could bring better days in our life." 

Khwada has won accolades and recognition in several platforms including national and international. The movie also won the  Special Jury mention and Sync Sound Award at the 62nd National Film Awards. The movie has also won five state awards which includes best movie (rura) and best direction. It was also given a special mention in the  Pune Film Festival, 'Prabhat 2015'.