Filming on The Cane Cutter movie, a modern day love story with intertwined themes that hark back to the days of the Indian indentured labourer’s struggle to settle in South Africa, wrapped up recently.
The movie, being produced by veteran producer Shan Moodley and directed by Dr Eubulus Timothy, was an “emotional experience” for them as their mission to tell the stories of the South African Indian community turned to fruition.
The movie stars chartered accountant Razeen Dada, celebrity plastic surgeon Dr Kajal Lutchminarain, and silver screen new-comer, Shika Maharaj, a marketing executive.
Due for release next year, it was shot at several locations in Durban from the end of May until the middle of June. Maharaj, from Hillcrest, auditioned for the movie in the last minute, not expecting anything to come of it and was pleasantly surprised when she was short-listed as a finalist for the lead role.
However, the lead role for the main character Amisha, eventually went to Dr Lutchminarain, while Maharaj took on the role of Amisha’s best friend, Priya.
Describing the process as “incredible”, Maharaj, 40, said she was in a state of disbelief on the day shooting began.
“I kept saying to myself – I’m actually going to shoot a movie. And what a wonderful experience that has been for me. Lots of learning curves, developing friendships, and delving into a very different environment,” said Maharaj.
Having grown up in a small KZN town, Greytown, Maharaj attended university and lived in Pietermaritzburg, where she obtained a BCom honours degree in marketing and moved to Durban a few years ago.
Landing the role of Priya, said Maharaj, has helped her get a better perspective on things. “This has ignited a passion I have forgotten about it. The possibilities are endless,” said Maharaj, who has no previous acting experience except for a few school concerts and events.
Once Maharaj, who works as a key account manager for a marketing company, became familiar with the script, she realised she was “perfect” for Priya’s role. “She (Priya) is an independent businesswoman, who has to make hard decisions and balance what her heart wants against family and society’s expectations.
“Priya is a free spirit and loud, that’s very much who I am,” Maharaj said.
Having landed the movie role, Maharaj hopes others would follow her example, move outside of their comfort zones and do something different.
Timothy said when they saw Maharaj, they saw something different in her. “We offered her the part of Priya and she said, oh my God this is me. She has brought so much energy, love and excitement to this set.”
He said the movie presented an opportunity to tell the story of South African Indians as a tribe in the country.
“Who we are, how we got here and all the things we have achieved and our failures. We tell the story as is with no filters and the movie will provide future generations with a record of who we are.”
With the movie being low-budget, he estimated filming to last about three weeks.
