Working with sightless kids invigorating: Ayodhya Kumar

Chennai: Debutant filmmaker K. Ayodhya Kumar, who has attempted a rare feat of making a Telugu film titled `Minugurulu` featuring 40 visually challenged students, says working with them was an invigorating experience that he will remember for a long time.

`Minugurulu`, which means fireflies, is likely to hit the screens Sep 27. "The experience of working with these children was truly stimulating. To see things around us and the way they perceive it is in itself a memorable experience," Ayodhya told IANS. "I wouldn`t say working with them was a challenge, but to draw the audience to theatres to watch a film revolving around these kids would be a challenge," he added. Ayodhya, who has a Master`s degree in filmmaking from the US, spent nearly two years on research for the film. "I could`ve roped in 40 children who could act blind, but I wanted it to be authentic. I spent two years on research, to understand how to work with blind children. I even worked closely with consultants from eye institutes in India and abroad. I even got myself trained in the process," he said. The film`s premise was conceived by an idea given by Ayodhya`s friend. "I was told about a blind orphanage by a close friend. I was influenced by the idea, which later became the tagline of our promotions/ publicity posters - `Do you need eyes to make a film?` I decided to weave a story around this idea and incorporate some film essentials to finally have an interesting plot," he added. "Minugurulu" is the story about how a bunch of visually impaired children in a hostel expose the villain of his wrongdoings. The film, which is also produced by Ayodhya, features Ashish Vidyarthi, Suhasini Mani Ratnam and Raghuvir Yadav in important roles. IANS