Health minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey at the film’s mahurat on Sunday. Picture by Jai Prakash

Patna, April 3: A film on social issues is a rarity in the Bhojpuri movie industry. But that did not deter young director Abhilash Sharma from taking up the challenge of directing Achal Rahe Ahiwat as his maiden assignment.

Bihar health minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey performed the mahurat of the film, which is to be produced by Nightwhistler Entertainment, today in the presence of its male lead actor, Vikrant Singh.

Emphasising on the need for women’s empowerment, Choubey said: “Women are not just simple human beings but have the power to usher change in the society. Women are often demoralised and neglected but people must not forget that only women can bring back life from the yamraj’s hand.”

He added: “Such films would surely deal with the issue in the present context and I like the name because it is very traditional. The concept is good as we say Yabla nahi nari hain, phool nahi chingari hain. The film will boost the morale of women and could send a good message across the society.”

Elaborating on the film, the director said: “Very few directors choose to direct these kind of films. Nowadays, people like entertaining films with raunchy songs. But this film is bereft of those. People talk of vulgarity in Bhojpuri films but I differ on this. This would be a complete family entertainer.”

He added: “We will complete the film shoot in the next four to five months. The shoot will take place in Bihar, mostly in Ara, while a few scenes will be shot in Mumbai. We have a budget of Rs 50 lakh.”

The minister broke a coconut and lit the lamp to perform the mahurat. Lead actor Vikrant said: “Being a newcomer in the industry, I am learning. This is a great opportunity for me to learn the nuances of acting from my seniors. I am very glad that the director has chosen me for this role though I have acted in just a few Bhojpuri films. I will try to give my best, as the shoot would take place in Bihar only. So I have to understand the culture and tradition of the state so that I can survive in these surroundings.”

Talking about the reason behind calling the health minister for the mahurat of the film, public relations officer Ranjan Sinha said: “The way the health minister talks of healthy and clean minds, in the same way, we want to promote this clean film. This is not only a film but it also explores the pain a women goes throughout her life at her in-laws’ house but never opens her mouth. This film will highlight all such issues,” he stressed.

Finally, the minister said the state government would support the film by every means.