A Movie On And By Down Syndrome Children

A Movie On And By Down Syndrome Children

While Odisha’s film industry is still trapped in the idea of remaking films for business or even catching up with the concept of parallel cinema, there has hardly been a film that is made with an intention or for a cause. However, Milan Dash’s film “Sapana Tie…A Dream’, based on specially abled children, is not just a fresh change but has been winning hearts ever since its release last week.

‘Sapana Tie’ is the first-of-its-kind film to be made in Odisha and depicts the life of children affected with Down Syndrome. The 2 hours and 15 minutes-long film intends to spread awareness about the life and challenges faced by people with disabilities in the society through the plight of family of an intellectually disabled child named Babloo. The film becomes even more special as it features specially abled child actors in different roles.

A member of the Bar Council of the Supreme Court of India, Milan is the writer and producer of the film. Talking to MCL about her objective behind making this movie, Milan said, “I have always been associated with social work, including counselling of children and women. So, it was in my mind to do something for the specially abled children. I felt that all of us should know about the problems and difficulties that these children face in their day-to-day lives in the society. Thus, after working for about one year, we completed the movie successfully.” She remarks further that it is for the first time in history that a specially abled child has played himself in a movie.

A well-known Ollywood actor, Hara Rath who has played the role of the father of the lead character in the film, Babloo, said it was an unusual experience for him to act in such a film. “I am blessed to be a part of this movie. The movie set wasn’t a very professional environment. Instead, we behaved naturally, as we did in our daily lives. We had to be very natural with the specially abled children for them to cooperate. Sometimes, the scenes too were changed according to their moods. I salute the spirit of Milan Ma’am that she even got the dubbing done with the children. I think films like this are important for the society and people should watch this to be aware of their responsibilities towards specially abled children,” he said sharing his experience.

For actor Manoj Mishra, working in the film was nothing less than a happy experience. “I got a lot of satisfaction after doing the film. The entire narration of the film is in my voice. The technical and emotional terms of this type of syndrome were described by me throughout the film,” he informed.

Mishra, who plays the role of doctor in the film said, “Through this film, people will get to know what causes these disabilities and how to behave with these children. Of course, the film is also special for me because I was doing a positive role after years. As an actor, I always want to explore myself, so I am glad to have played such a character.”

Released at Sangam Cineplex, Cuttack, the film is being highly appreciated by students of different schools and colleges. The makers have ensured that the movie can be seen without paying for a ticket in order to spread awareness about Down Syndrome. They also have plans to release it in different cities including Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Sambalpur, and Rourkela as well as in other states and screen it at different schools too.

The Governor of Odisha, Dr. S C Jamir has also watched the movie at his residence along with the movie’s cast and crew and appreciated it a lot.

Moreover, the film has also been appreciated by the ‘Shahenshah’ of Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan who met Milan along with the children on the sets of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’. Bachchan watched the movie with them and complimented the team by saying ‘Koshish karne waalon ki kabhi haar nahin hoti’ (Success comes to those who try!)