Khoriya: A Deep Dive into the Lives of Migrant Workers in Delhi-NCR

Exploring the Invisible Struggles of Migrant Workers

Sikkim, Oct 9: The film Khoriya, directed by Vishwendra Singh, highlights the often-overlooked challenges faced by northeastern and Nepali migrant workers who play a crucial role in the economy of Delhi-NCR.

This narrative feature delves into the precarious existence of poultry workers striving for a better future while grappling with the harsh realities of life in a city that frequently marginalizes them.

Set against the dusty outskirts of the national capital, the film portrays the difficult living conditions, financial instability, and social exclusion experienced by these workers. Through their stories, Khoriya raises important questions about identity, dignity, belonging, and the sacrifices made in the quest for a livelihood.

The title of the film holds both cultural and emotional weight. Singh explains that it is derived from the Nepali term ‘khor’, which translates to cages, symbolizing the invisible constraints the characters face while trying to establish a life far from home.

“The title Khoriya stems from ‘khor’, meaning cages in Nepali. It serves as a metaphor for the characters and their work, reflecting the unseen traps they encounter in their pursuit of a better life,” Singh elaborated.

The narrative follows poultry workers whose backgrounds are not explicitly detailed, yet their connections to the northeastern hills are apparent. Actor Nilesh Rai, who stars in the film, describes the characters as individuals striving to break free from their circumstances.

“We are poultry farmers, hustling to advance in life. Our living conditions are akin to those of animals, and we yearn to escape that reality,” Rai expressed.

While the characters' identities remain intentionally ambiguous, audiences may recognize them as migrants from Sikkim and Darjeeling, symbolizing the broader northeastern migrant community.

A sudden outbreak of bird flu at the poultry site serves as a pivotal moment in the story, revealing the vulnerabilities of workers already living in precarious situations. Singh uses this outbreak as a metaphor for the burdens faced by individuals who have little control over their lives and whose voices often go unheard.

The emotional heart of the film centers on a young migrant portrayed by Suman Rai. After leaving his home in the northeastern hills to chase his dreams in Delhi, the protagonist faces rejection, isolation, and financial struggles. He develops a tough exterior to shield his vulnerable side while remaining devoted to his mother and stepbrother.

“Life continually thrusts him into challenging situations. At times, he must choose between money and dignity, survival and relationships, or his future and the people he loves,” Suman Rai shared. “His journey ultimately reveals that the hardest battle is deciding what he is willing to sacrifice along the way.”

The film's production mirrored the uncertainty depicted in its narrative. What began as an informal documentary evolved into a narrative feature, with limited resources and unpredictable shooting conditions influencing its visual style.

“We lacked control over the training center location, so everything had to be done spontaneously. We didn’t have the luxury of setting up shots or doing multiple takes. Everything was crafted in real-time amidst unfolding chaos,” Singh noted.

Language plays a vital role in shaping the characters' identities. The film is primarily in Nepali, with Hindi used where necessary, reflecting the challenges migrants face while navigating life outside their linguistic and cultural contexts.

“When they speak in Nepali, they are truly themselves—outspoken and direct—while their less fluent Hindi serves as a crutch,” Singh explained.

The cast, including Suman Rai, who joined after leaving the Repertory Company of NSD, STTC Sikkim, and Nilesh Rai, contributed to the film's dialogue and vernacular to maintain its regional authenticity.

Supported by Ashim Ahluwalia, Niharika Singh, Faraz Khan, and Prayas Deepti, Khoriya gained recognition at the NFDC Waves Film Bazaar Work-in-Progress Lab. The film is set to premiere at the 31st Busan International Film Festival in the prestigious ‘A Window on Asian Cinema’ section.

For the filmmakers and cast, this international platform represents a chance to share stories from the Northeast and the Nepali diaspora with a broader audience.

“It feels like our narratives are finally making it to the screen, not as exotic backdrops, but as genuine, human stories,” Suman Rai remarked.

Nilesh Rai highlighted the financial hurdles faced by northeastern filmmakers despite the increasing opportunities for regional cinema.

“There is potential for northeastern cinema, but we struggle with budget constraints. Film can do more than entertain; it can showcase our hills, our people, and our voices,” he stated.

Singh believes that as long as filmmakers remain dedicated to telling migrant stories, there will always be an audience for them.

“Migrants have always existed, and that is why there will always be a space for their stories to be told and heard,” he affirmed.

Through its depiction of migrant workers caught between aspiration and exploitation, Khoriya aims to redirect focus from the familiar images of the city to the individuals whose labor sustains it, even as their struggles often go unnoticed.