Audience Reactions

"I screen hundreds of films in this preview theatre but hardly watch them. Today, I just started watching and saw the entire film and had tears in my eyes."
~ Projectionist, Star preview theatre, Mumbai

"Your film is a slap on the face of society."
~ Gitanjali Dhulekar, a viewer

"Never realized people like Umrao exist in society. Umrao's character is amazing."
~ Avinash Mehto, Head of Avi Creations, an edit set-up

"This film has inspired me and I want to become a counsellor."
~ Umang Sheth, a viewer

"It should be made mandatory viewing for all youth in the country."
~ a student of SNDT University

"It is an eye-opener to the kind of good work being done with HIV positive people."
~ Rekha Shah, a viewer

"Excellent film and counselors role remarkably brought forth."
~ N.J.Palan

"Great film, not lacking any in any information even if it is low budget movie."
~ G.Dasgupta

"It was excellent movie messages are given in perfect manner."
~ V.P.Malgud

"One of the most powerful movies ever seen by me. Movie has given very much meaningful message."
~ R.S.Bhatia

"Very inspiring."
~ P.N.Murgand

"A very moving film with a powerful message. Must see for all who care humans and lives."
~ L.Mukesh Bhargava

" For me it has made me understand, appreciate and thus more little forward."
~ S.Ranganathan

"An absolutely powerful film for the modern generation."
~ Bharti M.

"You have inspired us to take up counseling in whatever way we can contribute."
~ K. Ravindranath

"A powerful message delivered in a simple and yet a wonderful way."
~ B.K.Kalra

Screening of '68 Pages' at AMERICAN CONSULATE (30/5/2008)

"Excellent film and thank you for making such a wonderful attempt."
~ Deepa Mehta, Karishma K.

"Thank you very much"
~ Veena Dave

"Very provocative and beautifully done. Thanks so much"
~ Meena

"Great job guys. Thank you very much"
~ Rajshree K, Soumya Salian

"Nice film.Please keep the good work with condom awareness and other employment issues for eunuchs. Thanks"
~ Nazneen M.

" I want to congratulate and commend on your efforts. Hopefully the knowledge spreads."
~ Swati Patel

" I really commend you for making such a sensitive film and I am sure the message will get across if it can be distributed properly. A sensitivity made in this film is indeed."
~ Deep Chandran

"Thank you for a very good film and spreading the knowledge of HIV"
~ Katy Irane

"It has to start somewhere so this is the beginning I think, keep it up, great job."
~ Tamanna

Screening of '68 Pages' at India International Center, New Delhi (10/7/2008)

" Amazing scripts and dialogues, overall it is heart touching"
~ Dr.Himedin

"Revealing a true insight of prevailing social problem"
~ Sarbani Chaudhary

"A great insight into a part of Indian culture that has made beautifully to see."
~ Vasdev J

" Different treatment on the issues of HIV/AIDS. What was noteworthy was that all issues regarding vulnerable groups was highlighted in a balanced way."
~ Radhika K.Jung

"Wonderful script and screenplay"
~ Auhana

"I think your film has touched a lot of hearts and brought many important issues on one screen."
~ Sujata Chatterjee

"Congratulations for a great and important film. You are doing a great work."
~ Jermasine Lewis

Screening of '68 Pages' in Washington DC, USA (16/8/2008)

"High point for me in the movie was when Payal confesses to Mansi that she wants her daughter to be social worker instead of a doctor. It is high time social workers contribution against HIV/AIDS gets recognized in developing countries like India!!!
~ Sameer Shah

"I think that the diversity of society members dealing with some issues shows that when it comes to survival we should all gather as people and help each other. Also actors and actresses did a great job in the performance. Excellent job!!!"
~ Fabricio Solrzand

"The movie has definitely made an impact on me. My perception of sex workers, IDUs have changed completely for the better. The film had touching moments in parts but I think if an element of human would be added it would lend lighter moments on screen and would not make it very depressing. Overall the movie was good and splendid job on the performance."
~ Edga Elsdon D'Souza

Screening of '68 Pages' in New York, USA (19/8/2008)

"The film was very engaging and meaningful. It is wonderful to see serious film addressing marginalized groups in sensitive manner. An excellent movie!!!"
~ Viraj Patel

" '68 pages' brings to light in an ongoing and human way the complex emotional and sociopolitical realities of HIV among marginalized groups in Bombay. I appreciated the opportunity to journey through the difficult experiences of Mansi, Karan, Mohit, Umrao, Payal and Nishit and yet walk away with a sense of hope and strength."
~ Sapana Pandya

" '68 Pages' was a beautiful film that humanizes the marginalized face of HIV/AIDS. The film is very well made-I loved it!!!"
~ Sahar S

"A brilliant film. I loved it. I look forward to your next movie too."
~ Ayaz Ahmad

Screening of '68 Pages' in Bhopal (20/9/2008)

"I found a new way to live life."
~ Majid Khan

"It was very motivating and got inspiration for how to face difficulties in life."
~ Rajiv S

"Very nicely shown how to live life with own HIV+ positive status and new ways to live life."
~ Waji Mohmmad

Screening of '68 Pages' at MAQUINIZ PALACE - PANAJI, Goa (17/10/2008)

A great attempt!!! Cheers!!!
~ Jitendra Jadhav

"It makes us all start to think!"
~ Ms.Anita Mathew

"The movie really touched my heart."
~ Vasudev

"Very touching movie showing very true aspects of life. "
~ Sanyoj M

"The film has done very wonderful job and very thought provoking film."
~ E.M.Samant

"The film was excellent."
~ Jaime Rebello

"Excellent film for creating awareness among those affected with HIV/AIDS. All ray of Hope!!!"
~ Sandeep Lawande

"Superb film."
~ Anna C

"Stands tall as a film and needs to be taken around for screening I would love to do so!!"
~ Pravin S

"It touched our hearts. Great keep going!!!"
~ Mahesh G

"Thanks it was a place for reflection."
~ Libel S R Vas

" Very good and informative."
~ Victor N. Mendes

"Your film gave me courage to admit that I am gay !"
~ Sagar Desai

" For more humane society this is my commitment to my creator. Great film!"
~ Ethel Dacosta

NGOs & Professionals

"The film is a sensitive and touching portrayal of marginalized communities."
~ Dr. Rajeev Jerajani, psychiatrist

"For the first time, there's a film that recognizes the efforts of counsellors."
~ Kalpita Patil-Lanjekar, HST counsellor

"In one stroke, you have made counsellors more important than doctors and destroyed the myth that only doctors can help"
~ Dr. Maninder Setia, Ph.D. student at McGill University, Montreal

"The discrimination shown in the film is so real. We have seen it all and lived it all."
~ Dr. Hemangi Jerajani, HOD, Skin and Dermatology, LTMG Hospital, Mumbai

"A sensitive portrayal of a real-life counsellor and a true profile of a TISS student."
~ Brinelle D'Souza, Professor, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai

"Extremely touching and sensitive, the film deals with issues of HIV positive people in a real manner."
~ Rita Sonawat, HOD, Human Development, SNDT University, Mumbai

"There are many times when I have gone home from work and cried for the pain of my counselees. And this film reflects my feelings."
~ Rajashree, a counsellor

"Four years of my life flashed in front of my eyes. I thought I was reliving my life at Humsafar once again."
~ Vrushali Deshmukh, ex-counselling head at The Humsafar Trust, Mumbai, the woman on whose experiences the film is based.

"Please accept my congratulations for a landmark film produced by the Humsafar trust. The deeply touching way in which the film spools out and the characters bring to life real issues being faced by people, the human dimensions, the message of hope and the way it leaves you moved, yet hopeful at the end is beyond description. Excellent script, direction, casting, performances, research and topicality have been blended effectively."
~ Dr.Sanjeev Singh Gaekwad | Director-Maharashtra, Family Health International

"Very sensitively made, realistic in its portrayal and true to the emotions that exist in such situations. Each story was well defined with equal emphasis given to the central and supporting characters. Strongly brought out the complex circumstances that HIV/AIDS brings into individual's lives as well as the turmoil of learning one's HIV positive status. The film beautifully showed a relationship between 2 men as it truly is and most importantly, without sensationalization. You leave the film with an understanding of the issues involved but with a clear sense of hope"
~ Amrita Bhende | Programme Officer, Family Health International

"It was indeed a wonderful film… truly illustrated how a counsellor goes beyond her/ his duty and becomes a friend-in-need to those who are rejected or have fear of rejection by the society. I think the film will not just be praised by NGO sector or marginalized communities but will definitely be liked by general people as well."
~ Anjali Singh | Training Officer, Family Health International

"Personally after ages I have seen a film that touches a chord in my soul. I was deeply touched by the sensitivities in the film and the near perfect portrayal of characters by the mainstream actors. For me this wasn't just another viewing of a film but an experience that I would always cherish. I am glad this film has provided a platform and given due respect to counsellors which they have always deserved but were the unsung heroes of the medical fraternity. Sridhar has done a fabulous job and has shown great courage in touching a subject which has always been a taboo. …………… breathtaking, captivating, motivating emotional saga is my only reaction to 68 Pages."
~ Dr.Sachin Gupte | Senior Technical Officer, Family Health International

"This is a real motivator for all those who are putting a lot of work. Kudos to Humsafar team which has worked hard under your leadership and not to forget the film crew under the leadership of Sridhar in making this a truly memorable experience for all of us. "
~ Virupax Ranebennur | M & E Officer, Family Health International

"Thank you for using your very creative brain and bringing out the raw realities of life with a clear light of hope that life does not stop here it goes on and the dreams can be accomplished. My next request will be that please look at the various sources of taking this forward to the larger masses, forums, civil societies and the 2% Decision makers, that we need to do things urgently with zeal and dedication. It seems that I am exhausted with my limited knowledge of words to describe the penetration and impact of the film on me. I am still speechless and in discomfort."
~ Sanjeev Jain | Senior Programme Manager, Family Health International

"I think the Counselors should learn few things through this film. One is that the Counsellor in the film balanced her personal and professional life well. At times when she was going through her emotional problem, she never became weak nor did she make her clients become weak. Thanks again for a very good film."
~ Ashish Bosle | Programme Officer, FHI/FPAI Aastha Project

"The movie inspires us to do more. It's all about how our efforts and gestures can bring a change in others' life. I was touched."
~ Seema Sayyed | Programme Officer, FPA India, Aastha Project

"In short time lots of issues covered. Also helped to accept those who are not accepted by others. Great movie."
~ Pradnya Kharate | Technical Officer, SOSVA

"Excellent. Life changing, attitude changing towards High Risk Groups. It should be published to all the communities. It should released in theatres"
~ Gaikwad | Project Coordinator, Hope Foundation

"The movie was great, I want to give suggestion to you, if possible to put one meeting for all counsellors and show this film to them. Great movie"
~ Jyoti Kasbe | Counsellor, Lokparishad

"A good film, which can be used to sensitize the mass about HIV issues. Good work"
~ Rama Bhave | Documentation Officer, Family Health International

" After watching the movie, I am realizing the responsibility."
~ Shabana Sheikh | Counsellor, SAI

"Excellent Movie, A must see for the masses."
~ Dr. Vidyamala | Technical Officer, Family Health International

"Good work done by research team as well as crew members, casting in film. It made us feel so touchy and we all were speechless"
~ Riji Nair | Programme Officer, Family Planning Association of India-Aastha Project

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>> Audience Reactions

>> Press

>> Production Notes

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" I have watched the film 68 Pages and I really liked it, especially the cast works so good, there is a wonderful chemistry between them."
~ Wiebke Reiss, Festival Director - Bollywood & Beyond, Stuttgart, Germany

"A very well-directed and finely-scripted film. The storylines are all very compelling, and kept me intrigued right till the end. The cinematography and editing were both first-rate. Congratulations on such an excellent and important film."
~ Paul Lee | Producer, Curator, Toronto

Review on Amazon

***** (5 star rating)

"HIV in India" - Amos Lassen

India is in a state of denial and most Indians feel that to have HIV is to be cursed. They are rejected, not just by society, but by family and friends. We see that India's view of HIV is shallow but we also get a sense of hope that the stories that we see here can help to bring about a better understanding of the disease and perhaps that those with HIV may be able to achieve a dignified life. The four men come across as heroic and indeed represent optimism and the triumph of the human spirit.

The movie is very, very touching as well as a slap to India.

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