THE DAY AFTER INDEPENDENCE

Debut director NS Ponkumar, producerfilmmaker AR Murugadoss and actor Gautham Karthik talk about the unique premise of their upcoming film, August 16, 1947, that's set for release next month

- NAVEIN DARSHAN

Many films, over the years, have documented the independence struggle, usually culminating with nation-wide celebrations on August 15, 1947. There have, however, been barely any films that speak of the immediate aftermath. It's this period that filmmaker NS Ponkumar seeks to explore in his debut film, August 16, 1947. "Our story spans three days, between August 14 and August 16. It is set in a fictional village that doesn't receive the news of independence due to its geographical setting and illiteracy. Though the film isn't based on real life, I have looked to keep the treatment as real as possible," he says.