“Talvar”, which is inspired by the sensational Aarushi Talwar-Hemraj murder case in 2008, is not an attempt to cash in on the scandal, says director Meghna Gulzar. She says the movie is not a whodunit account of the incident but explores the various theories in the case, where 14-year-old Aarushi’s parents — Dr Rajesh and Nupur Talwar — have been convicted.
“We are not riding on a scandal with ‘Talvar’. That’s not our intent... Despite there being a verdict, there is a sense of unfinished business, a lack of closure in this case. This is why it still haunts. This is a story that must be told,” Meghna, 41, told PTI in an interview.
There is already a movie, “Rahasya”, which is said to be loosely inspired by the case, then came Avirook Sen’s book and now “Talvar”, slated to release in India on October 2 after its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Meghna relied on the Vishal Bhardwaj-penned script and her research while working on the movie. Bhardwaj is also the co-producer with Junglee Pictures. “We never tried to solve the crime. The investigation is over and done with. Vishalji and I have tried to explore various theories. We have tried to be honest to each perspective. It is not in our hand to give a clear answer nor is it our point of view,’’ added Meghna.