A press conference for the Indian film “The Other Side,” written, directed, and produced by Indu Lakshmi, took place on Saturday, 29 November, at Honar Shahr Aftab Cineplex in Shiraz. Screening in the Eastern Vista competition section of the 43rd Fajr International Film Festival, the film tells the story of Janaki, a teenage girl struggling to keep her fractured family together as her mother sinks into deep depression. Anchored in an intimate and emotionally charged narrative, the film examines adolescence, grief, and the social pressures placed on young girls. The cast includes Anagha Maya Ravi, Jagadish, Mini IG, and Pradeep Kumar.
At the beginning of the session, Indu Lakshmi introduced herself and spoke about her journey to the festival, saying, “I have come to Iran and the Fajr International Film Festival from Kerala, in the south of India. ‘The Other Side’ is my second feature film as a director, following ‘Nila.’” She noted that the film has already been screened at several international festivals, adding, “This film has been shown at festivals around the world, including in Australia and the United States, and has received several awards.”
Explaining the meaning behind the film’s title, Lakshmi said, “The title ‘The Other Side’ has two functions. One part refers to life and death, and the other points to the unknown aspects of human beings.”
Referring to the central character, Lakshmi described Janaki as the driving force of the narrative. “Janaki is the protagonist of the film,” she said. “The story is based on a real experience drawn from my own personal life, and I actually wrote this character based on my own story.”
Addressing the film’s themes, Lakshmi explained that part of the narrative focuses on a teenager whose mother dies by suicide as a result of severe depression. “Some of the events depicted in this film can be seen in many societies,” she said, adding that the story reflects a specific dimension of womanhood. She pointed to one of the film’s most striking moments, explaining, “In the film, the young girl is unable to attend her mother’s funeral because of menstruation and the superstitions associated with it. Unfortunately, issues like this still exist in many human societies.”
Lakshmi also spoke about the young actor playing the lead role, saying, “She is a well-known and professional actress who has previously appeared in many notable films.”
Discussing the film’s geography and visual atmosphere, Lakshmi emphasized her personal connection to the settings. “The structure of this film is something I have experienced from childhood until now,” she said. “The film moves between rural and urban locations, and in shaping its atmosphere I remained faithful to my personal taste.”
When asked about the most challenging aspect of directing the film, Lakshmi reflected on the emotional weight of the process. “It is very difficult for me to choose the hardest part of the film,” she said. “Every single scene came with emotional and psychological difficulties. It felt as though, with the filming of each scene, I was returning to the past and revisiting my own life, and that was extremely difficult.”
Lakshmi stressed that the film does not aim to impose a fixed message, instead valuing audience response. “This film does not pursue a specific message, and I am very interested in receiving feedback from the audience,” she said. Referring to the screening in Shiraz, she added, “Today, after the screening, a woman came up to me in tears and said she had been deeply affected by the film. Encounters like this are more than enough for me.”
She also explained why she chose a subject rooted in her personal life and how she perceives her social responsibility as a filmmaker. “Part of the reason for choosing this subject comes from this very issue,” Lakshmi said. “Another part of the film points to gender differences that exist incorrectly in society. There should be no irrational distinction between girls and boys.”
In closing, Lakshmi spoke about her impressions of Iranian cinema, saying, “This is my first time traveling to Iran. However, whenever major international festivals are discussed, Iranian cinema is always considered one of the central pillars.” She added, “I have watched many Iranian films, and I have been deeply influenced by them.”
The 43rd Fajr International Film Festival is being held in Shiraz from November 26 to December 3, 2025, with filmmakers, critics, and audiences from various countries participating in its screenings and industry events.
