MUMBAI: A new film depicting the toxic gas leak that killed thousands in India’s Bhopal city puts the blame squarely on Union Carbide for the disaster, the director said.
Indian filmmaker Ravi Kumar rejected criticism that “Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain” was too soft on the US company, saying he had told the truth in the film.
The movie opens in Indian cinemas on Friday, just days after the 30th anniversary of the Dec. 2 tragedy, whose victims are still fighting for better compensation.
Starring Hollywood’s Martin Sheen and already showing in US cinemas, the movie has been accused of placing greater blame on Indian management at the chemical factory and less on Union Carbide.
Around 3,500 people were killed soon after the factory spewed a cloud of gas over Bhopal, and up to 25,000 died in the years that followed.
Those living near the factory who survived suffered related illnesses, while women gave birth to children with deformities.
“We have tried to tell the events as they unfolded. When the audience comes out of the film there’s no doubt who was at fault,” Kumar told AFP.
“It’s the American Union Carbide Corporation that has the responsibility of the disaster. That’s the truth and that is what we have told in the film,” he said.
Kumar suggested lessons still needed to be learnt from the tragedy.
“The mechanism for most industrial disasters... is eerily familiar — cost-cutting, corporate greed, untrained staff and ignorance of early warning signs by the management.”
“We want to ensure that accidents such as Bhopal belong in the history books.”
The screenplay is based on court evidence, correspondence, testimonies, hospital and forensic records and memories and experiences of survivors and Carbide workers.
Sheen plays Warren Anderson, CEO of Union Carbide, which was taken over by Dow Chemical in 2001.
Kumar said the central fictional character, Dilip, is an amalgamation of the many survivors and victims.
“Our aim was to convey the message of the disaster while entertaining the audience with the thriller drama of the film,” he said.
Hollywood’s Mischa Barton plays a lifestyle reporter in the film, who helps an Indian journalist portrayed by Kal Penn. Indian actors Rajpal Yadav and Tannishtha Chatterjee star as the victims.
Movie ‘tells truth’ of Bhopal disaster
Movie ‘tells truth’ of Bhopal disaster
Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza
- Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual Sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 2,287 miles
LONDON: A man in England has launched a demanding charity challenge to raise funds for children affected by the war in Gaza.
Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 3,680 km running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing.
He is raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a UK-based humanitarian organization that probides healthcare to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories.
“I have felt helpless day after day seeing images of countless children in Gaza with broken bodies and missing limbs and witnessing their unbearable suffering,” Watson said on his JustGiving page.
“I have been inspired by the courage of those who took part in the global sumud flotilla and all of the activists who have put their lives and freedom at risk supporting the Palestinian people and so I am raising funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
“My challenge is to complete a virtual sumud from Harlow, where I live, to Gaza. Running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing I will cover the 2,287 miles as quickly as I can.
“I am an unfit, overweight 63-year-old, so I’m not going to break any records, but the Arabic word Sumud means steadfastness and perseverance, and I will give it my all.
Watson added: “I hope to be joined by people I love and admire along the way, so please support my fundraiser. Every donation, however small, will help save the lives of Palestinians.”
As of Jan. 3, his fundraising effort had reached 12 per cent of its £5,000 ($6,733) target.
The war in Gaza began after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which local health authorities say has resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and a severe humanitarian crisis.
International aid agencies have repeatedly said that children are among the most affected, facing injury, displacement, malnutrition and limited access to medical care.
Watson said he was inspired by activists and humanitarian efforts supporting Palestinians and hopes his challenge can make a small contribution to saving lives.
