Yerra Mandaram

By Pickle November 22, 2024

The Red Hibiscus

India| Telugu

Synopsis

After the sudden loss of her father, Kalpana, a determined young woman, sets out on a lifechanging journey through the hinterlands to raise money for her brother’s education, facing both support and resistance along the way. Set against the rural backdrop of 1990s Telangana, (The Red Hibiscus) is a moving exploration of one woman’s inspiring quest, offering a layered depiction of family bonds, societal pressures. Satish (16, M) with dreams of pursuing higher education, achieves a good rank in an engineering college entrance exam. However, the joy is short-lived as financial constraints threaten to derail his aspirations. Distraught by the family’s troubles, Satish decides to abandon his dream and starts working to contribute to the family.

As Kalpana (18,F) observes her brother sinking into despair, she decides to intervene. Determined to secure funds for her brother’s admission, Kalpana embarks on a journey to visit her relatives’ houses, seeking financial support.

Mohan Kumar Valasala
Director
mohandock@gmail.com

Director(s) Statement

Growing up in rural Telangana during the 1990s left lasting impressions on me. The region was still developing, and the struggle for higher education was very real. Though families understood the value of education, many prioritized
boys, leaving girls’ futures uncertain due to financial constraints. Inspired by my sister’s experiences during her efforts to secure funds for my education from our relatives, this film’s premise provided an opportunity for me to mirror society in general, and the condition of women in particular. Due to her efforts, although I went on to pursue higher education, she was married off in her teens. The film reflects my attempt to reconcile with her fate and that of many women like her. Each episode in a relative’s house, as the protagonist visits, becomes a microcosm of societal dynamics, shedding light on the strengths and vulnerabilities of women in diverse circumstances.

Producer(s)
Mohan Kumar Valasala, Deeksha Goel

Production Company
Adamya Films Private Limited

Contact
Mohan Kumar Valasala
Director
mohandock@gmail.com