“Paai – The Mat” BY SREELAJA MUKUNDAKUMARAN now streaming on Prime Video
“Paai – The Mat” is a British Indian film based on human trafficking in the UK. The film bagged several accolades at International film festivals around the world most importantly. The Best independent film, Best Actress, best Original Score, in Venezuela, The Best Musical film in London and The Best Woman Empowerment film in Mumbai.
- (1888PressRelease) May 30, 2021 - Medini, a lone survivor of Human Trafficking gets stranded in the UK after being cat-fished by her boyfriend. The film attempts to perceive the aftermaths of barbarous Modern Slavery and the importance of hope in life.
The story is that, once upon a time in a small village they lived a girl who was as pure as an angel. She floated through the fields like a butterfly; her smile brought a joyful radiance to the village. On ominous day, a heinous devil lady’s eyes upon her. Her smile faded away and suddenly she found herself in the filthiest place on earth. I don’t know if is good. I have a family and I have to send money. That’s our end of story. What you are not a sinner my child you are as pure as a flower.
As the film begins, Medini leaves India with a promise of a better life in London, but her hopes come crashing down as she becomes a victim of human trafficking and is repeatedly raped.
She is eventually saved, but when nothing awaits you and you are all alone in this world, what are your choices?
Sreelaja wasn’t afraid to go deep while exploring that subject and revealed captivating filmmaking abilities. I was with her every step of the way and when she lost faith, so did I.
Alone in a foreign country, unable to speak the language and with no money or shelter, she found herself doing the thing she ran away from – prostituting. The look in her eyes, as she understands what has become of her life and the choice she is about to make, is devastating.
Years go by and we meet Medini again. This time she is broken and numb, doing what she has to, to survive. This is where her real journey begins. This is where, with the help of people who show her kindness and generosity, she discovers her options. Her path is difficult and complicated, and her self-worth does not exist. She stumbles and falls, but life finds a way, and Medini bravely pushes through it.
I command Sreelaja for writing such a powerful script and bearing her soul while acting in it. As a director, she took her time and allowed us to see a woman being ripped to shreds, turned and used. But then we get to see the magic of a human being piecing their life back together. It was real, it was raw, and it was moving.
The cinematography, done by Vipin Puthiyankam and Yue Wang, was striking. The locations in which the film was shot really let understand Medini’s world and options. The score and beautiful singing that accompanied it all, enhanced the powerful story and added a whole new layer of feelings. The editor, Ananthu S Vijay, shined as he allowed us to take it all in. In a story as rich as this one, the editor knew when and how to pace it up and when to slow down and let us absorb what we just saw.
The supporting characters were strong and as the film progressed some of them were like coming out for air. They taught Medini and us that some people are genuinely good and will help, even if you lost faith and refuse to believe in them. Dan, played by Jack Silver, fought hard to restore our faith in men. I was happy Sreelaja wrote such a character, who showed Medini that despite her terrible experiences, not all men will take advantage of her. That, accompanied with the nun and social worker, supplied careful optimism for a new day.
The film ends with the words “Sometimes, the simplest gestures can make so much of a difference in someone’s life” and I think this powerful message should resound with the viewers. Each person has the power to help or break someone else. Medini felt that throughout the film. But the strongest message was that you have the power to help yourself. It is far from easy and at times, impossible, but even though it was against all odds, Medini did it. and showed us, we can do it too.
The film moves deep in exploring the subject with strong supporting characters, played by Pat Garrett, Jack Silver, Deepu James, and Holly Dixons and Production Designing done by Daniel Dray.
The film is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime in the UK and US.
The film is Written, Directed and Produced by Sreelaja Mukundakumaran. A Software engineer turned Film maker is now living her Dream come true moment and is now accomplished to watch her debut attempt on screen. She has also played the lead role in this film.
Amazon Prime Video: https://amzn.to/3i3xflQ
Trailer: https://youtu.be/4zei5_4imqc
iMBD: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9716054/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/MKAnnProductions
Contact Details : sreemukund ( @ ) gmail dot com
Mobile: 0044 7833320712 (Since I am currently in India, I am available on WhatsApp messages/calls only)
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