Ek Duaa

In today's progressive India, approximately 100,000 female feticides occur annually despite the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, National Policy for Children and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative. Child sex ratio continues to decline in North Indian states like Rajasthan, UP, Bihar, Haryana and Punjab, revealing staggering and shocking stats. Look around you and you would find atleast 1-2 families who have continued having children until they had a son.

This 45 min short film sheds light on this harsh reality of 21st century India. The narrative would tug at your heartstrings prompting contemplation on brutal societal norms that perpetuate such heinous crime. Esha Deol delivers a heartfelt and standout performance as a mother fighting against the odds to save her unborn daughter. The background score complements the narrative, evoking emotions without being overwhelming. One may find few production flaws, including audio and sound mixing issues and uneven dialogue, but the film delivers a powerful message. The movie ends with a strong long lasting impact. It left me both shocked and heartbroken! A must see.

In this day and age when we're so proud of the advances we've made as a society, as a country. There still are many social issues that we hide under the rug as convenient and really don't talk about them.

Ek Duaa talks of one such flaw in our society, the issues surrounding the girl-child.

This short movie is well written and executed. I liked the ending a lot for its uniqueness in many ways. There are some issues in the narrative, but to each his own.

An overall well thought out piece of work.