Exploring the Complexities of Gender and Allegations in Netflix's 'Accused'
A Unique Narrative in 'Accused'
The forthcoming film Accused presents a gripping story centered around a female doctor in a London hospital facing serious accusations of sexual misconduct. This narrative stands out as it features a woman as the accused.
Geetika Sen, portrayed by Konkona Sensharma, is a well-regarded professional known for her skills but also feared for her blunt demeanor. The mounting allegations against her not only jeopardize her career but also strain her marriage with fellow paediatrician Meera, played by Pratibha Rannta.
Directed by Anubhuti Kashyap, this Hindi film, co-written by Sima Agarwal and Yash Keswani, is set to debut on Netflix on February 27. Kashyap emphasizes that the film delves into the theme of doubt, stating, “There are always multiple perspectives to consider – nothing is ever entirely right or wrong.” She elaborates on the destructive nature of doubt, which permeates the film's narrative and character dynamics.
Casting Choices and Character Development
Kashyap noted that Konkona was involved from the project's inception. “Once the script was finalized, we discussed casting with Netflix, and they insisted on top-tier talent. Konkona was the first name that resonated with everyone, including the producers and writers,” she explained.
Finding the right actress for Meera took more time. Kashyap mentioned, “After watching Laapataa Ladies, Pratibha's name came up. We auditioned her, and she delivered such an impressive performance that we immediately decided to cast her.”
To embody Geetika, Sensharma adopted a commanding physical presence, stating, “A lot of my approach is instinctive and hard to articulate. The character's look significantly influences my performance. In Accused, wearing the coat and heels helped me channel the essence of power.”
Setting and Themes
Meera's character was crafted to contrast Geetika, with Rannta explaining, “I needed to ensure my performance was restrained to allow both characters to coexist harmoniously. Meera embodies nurturing qualities.”
The film's setting in the UK, rather than India, is intentional due to its plot and the same-sex marriage between Geetika and Meera. Kashyap stated, “Setting it in India would necessitate commentary on the queer relationship, which we aimed to avoid. We wanted to portray their relationship as normalized and unquestioned.”
She added that the story reflects real-life cases more prevalent in the UK and the US, making it more relatable for the audience.
Challenging Norms and Social Commentary
Kashyap, Sensharma, and Rannta discussed the film's exploration of the MeToo movement, which was a significant draw for Kashyap when selecting the script. Accused challenges conventional expectations of female protagonists, a theme echoed by both actresses.
The film also critiques the rush to judgment in today's social media landscape, particularly regarding allegations of sexual harassment, highlighting the need for careful consideration before forming opinions.
The complete video interview is available on YouTube.