Roobha

Roobha is a 2018 Canadian feature film produced by Warren Sinnathamby, and written and directed by Lenin M. Sivam. The film which was produced under the banner of Next Productions, stars Amrit Sandhu, Antonythasan Jesuthasan , Thenuka Kantharajah, Sornalingam Vyramuthu, Cassandra James, Dan Bertolini, Tharshiny Varapragasam, Bhavani Somasundaram, Sumathy Balram, and Ishwaria Chandru. It is based on a story by Antonythasan Jesuthasan who writes under the pseudonym Shoba Sakthi. The film explores the harsh realities faced by a young South-Asian trans-woman who struggles to make a living in Toronto after she is ostracized by her family. Roobha had its world premiere at Montreal World Film Festival on August 25, 2018. [1][2] It was also the opening film of the 18th Annual Reelworld Film Festival in Toronto, Canada,[3] an Official Selection for the Cambridge Film Festival in UK,[4] Official Selection in the World Panorama Section of the International Film Festival of India in Goa.,[5] Official Selection of the Windsor International Film Festival in Canada, Official Selection of the Whistler Film Festival in Canada, London Indian Film Festival in UK, Official Selection of the Melbourne Indian Film Festival in Australia, and Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival in Mumbai, India.

Roobha
Directed byLenin M. Sivam
Written byLenin M. Sivam
Story byAntonythasan Jesuthasan
Produced byWarren Sinnathamby
StarringAmrit Sandhu
Antonythasan Jesuthasan
Thenuka Kantharajah, Sornalingam Vyramuthu, Cassandra James, Dan Bertolini, Tharshiny Varapragasam, Bhavani Somasundaram, Ishwaria Chandru
CinematographyArsenij Gusev
Edited byThomas Buschbeck & Rohan Fernando
Music byAsif Illyas
Production
company
Next Productions
Release date
  • 25 August 2018 (2018-08-25) (Montreal)
Running time
104 minutes
CountryCanada
LanguageTamil & English

Plot

Roobha weaves a unique romantic tale that deals with the complexities of personality and gender identity within the South-Asian community. Roobha, a trans-woman, struggles to make a living in Toronto after she is ostracized by her family. Her chance encounter with a family man, Anthony, leads to a beautiful romance. However, their blissful existence is short-lived as their families soon discover their relationship.

Production

The Producer, Warren Sinnathamby, the Executive Producer, Raji Nair, and the Line Producer, Pras Lingam, were at the helm of the production team. A pilot shoot was done in late 2015, with the actual production commencing in April 2016 in Toronto. Arsenij Gusev, handled the cinematography, while Bettina Katja Lange was the Art Director, and Princeten Charles handled location sound. The dance sequences were choreographed by Thenuka Kantharajah. The First Assistant Director, Evan Stephens, was instrumental in the filming being completed as per the tight schedule.

Post-production

The post-production was completed in a facility in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Distribution

The North American distribution is being handled by Indiecan Entertainment Inc.

Cast
  • Amrit Sandhu as Roobha

A trans-woman who is ostracized by her family, and faces homophobia as she struggles to make a living . The Vancouver-based model, actor and trainer, Amrit Sandhu, was cast as Roobha, after much searching. Amrit trained for the role in earnest by speaking to members of the community as well as academics, taking dance lessons, observing trans-women as they manoeuvred through their day-to-day life, etc. Amrit says that he was appalled by the way a passerby hurled abuses at him, when he was in character on set. That incident made him realize the how much loathing and violence trans-women have to endure in their daily life.

  • Antonythasan Jesuthasan as Anthony

A middle-aged hardworking family man who falls in love with Roobha. Antonythasan Jesuthasan of 'Dheepan' fame https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4082068/ fit into the role of Anthony with ease. After Anthony comes to Roobha's rescue at a pub, they are inexplicably drawn towards each other, and a rapturous romance ensues. As the writer of the story, Anthonythasan, was familiar with the nuances of the character he had created. Driving a vehicle was the only hurdle he envisaged, but production took care of that.

  • Thenuka Kantharajah as Pavun

A dedicated homemaker who is shaken to the core when her husband seeks love elsewhere. Thenuka Kantharajah, the renowned dancer and actor was chosen to play the role of Pavun. A pillar of support to her husband through thick and thin, Pavun is shattered at the turn of events, but faces the situation with dignity. Being an accomplished dancer, Thenuka also trained Amrit in dance. She choreographed all the dance sequences in the film.

  • Sornalingam Vairamuthu as Manoharan

A father who is distraught to learn that his son wants to assert his gender as a woman. Sornalingam, a prominent stage actor and an active member of the South-Asian Community was cast for the role of Manoharan.

  • Cassandra James as Lucia

A trans-woman who comes to the aid of Roobha in her hour of need. Cassandra James brings beauty, grace and boldness to the character she essays.

  • Bhavani Somasundaram as Mani
  • Sumathy Balram as Rani
  • Dan Bertolini as Maya
  • Tharshiny Varapragasam as Mata
  • Brian Scott Carleton as Dr. Jefferson
  • Tony Cauch as Dr. Finch
  • Ishwaria Chandru as Vasuki
  • Angela Chrstine as Mai
  • Claudio Venditi as Sam
  • James Coburn as Dr. Lawrence
  • Gwenlyn Cumyn as Receptionist

Festivals

References
  1. "ROOBHA: UNE FEMME PLUS QUE FANTASTIQUE". sequences. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  2. "Lenin M Sivam's 'Roobha': A Canadian film on transgender stigma". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  3. "Opening Gala - Roobha". reelworld.ca. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  4. "Roobha shows at the 38th Cambridge Film Festival". dmovies. 23 October 2018. Retrieved 23 October 2018.
  5. "Roobha at IFFI for Word Panorama". IFFI. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
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