The film was shot in the scenic locales of central hills of Sri Lanka, including Mahiyangana, Mawanella, Kandy, and the University of Peradeniya.
(played by Rehana Fathima), an intersex woman, and her friend
It challenges traditional views on the human body, specifically those born with both male and female genitals. Production and Cast Director Prince John Producer Manoj K Sreedhar Lead Cast Rehana Fathima (as Eka), Anupama/Anusha Paul Runtime 93 minutes Language Controversy and Ban Eka Movie 2018
What works
Eka (2018) is a controversial Indian Malayalam-language drama directed by Prince John. Based on true incidents, it is noted for being the first Indian film to focus primarily on the lives of individuals. Plot Summary The story follows Eka Sindoori The film was shot in the scenic locales
: Director Prince John used uncompromised visual depictions of the human form to protest how society forcefully assigns binary genders at birth to intersex children, often through non-consensual surgeries. Reception, Criticism, and Legacy
It is important not to confuse this Malayalam film with other similarly named projects: Eka (2018) - Full cast & crew - IMDb Based on true incidents, it is noted for
Some viewers found the central theme, focusing on the existence and challenges of intersex individuals, to be fresh and important.
The most infamous incident during the shoot involved a nude scene. Lead actress Rehana Fathima was uncomfortable and nervous, especially as director Prince John was known for taking 20-25 takes of a single shot. When he asked her why she was conscious, she admitted to her discomfort with being naked while the clothed crew watched. In a stunning act of solidarity, the director then asked everyone on the set—the cameraman, the assistant directors, the lighting technicians, and even the producer—to remove their clothes. Eighteen people, all of them men, stripped down to work alongside their lead actress, creating what the director called an environment of innocence and equality.