SHILLONG: The director of 9-Lad , Commander Shangpliang, said that it took him at about two months to observe the nitty-gritty of flesh trade in Khyndai Lad, also known as Police Bazar, and then get down to make the movie.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, he said the movie, with its theme on flesh trade, was made on a budget of Rs 10 lakh.
Speaking on the journey of making the movie, he said he had heard rumours about flesh trade in Khyndai Lad and began researching and observed the situation for at least two months. Having spoken to some of the prostitutes, he said that most of them turned to the oldest profession due to financial problems while some did it willingly.
He said that most of the prostitutes are locals besides from other Northeastern states while the customers are both locals and non-locals. He further said that the trade is carried out in unhygienic conditions.
Wanri Pyngrope, who has acted in three films, said it was a tough role to do but was excited to be in the movie. She said that shooting would start from 12 midnight and go on till 4 in the morning. She also thanked her parents for their support.
Asked on her views on prostitution, she said that there are other means to earn livelihood such as selling betel nut (kwai).
On the other hand, Shangpliang rued the state government is neglecting the Khasi film industry.
He said it would be difficult to uplift the industry with Khasi films only being released in general cinema halls such as in Bijou and Anjalee.
The local filmmakers have been demanding separate halls to screen local movies.
