"Ghotul," a new short film, is sparking conversations about love, intimacy, and positive masculinity through the lens of tribal wisdom. Released by UNAIDS, the film draws inspiration from the Gond Muria tradition of "Ghotuls," communal learning spaces where elders guide adolescents in open discussions about love, intimacy, and responsibility.
The film aims to challenge societal taboos and promote open dialogue, affirming every girl's right to bodily autonomy, choice, and dignity. It addresses the pressing issue of adolescent reproductive health, highlighting that each year, 21 million girls worldwide become pregnant, with over 11 million in India alone. Furthermore, 4,000 adolescent girls are infected with HIV every week globally. Despite these statistics, discussions surrounding sexuality often remain muted, leaving young girls without safe spaces, accurate information, or agency. This can lead to early marriage, intimate partner violence, and limited opportunities for education and work.
By showcasing the Gond Muria tradition, "Ghotul" offers an alternative approach. These "Ghotuls" exemplify egalitarian values, helping young people handle desire with dignity and awareness. The film reimagines how we talk about gender, sexuality, and choice in today's world by drawing from the tribe's age-old practice of open and respectful dialogue.
"Ghotul" is directed by Shashanka 'Bob' Chaturvedi from Good Morning Films, with creative direction by Swati Bhattacharya. The cinematography is by Tassaduq Hussain, known for his work on "Omkara" and "Kaminey". The film stars Indira Tiwari, acclaimed for her roles in "Serious Men" and "Gangubai Kathiawadi," alongside rising artist Puja Kulay. The story is written by Shruti Johri, a published author and a gender and inclusion practitioner.
The film has garnered support from leading cultural figures. Guneet Monga stated that "Ghotul" reminds us that indigenous traditions once placed equality at the center of adolescence and celebrates softer masculinities in boys. Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari added that the film revives indigenous wisdom at a time when boys and girls need safe spaces for dialogue. Apoorva Bakshi, Emmy Award-winning producer, believes that "Ghotul" invites us to explore traditions that embraced autonomy, consent, and sexual agency long before modern discourse caught up.
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said that educating young people about their sexual health can help them feel and stay safe. Shruti Johri, the writer, hopes the film will break the silence surrounding these topics and invite viewers to reimagine a world where daughters are guided like rivers, free to choose, love, and live without shame. Swati Bhattacharya highlights the importance of bringing honest conversations back into our homes, as elders once spoke freely with adolescents about love and growing bodies, not to shame them, but to guide them.
"Ghotul" was released to mark the International Day of the Girl Child in partnership with STIR and UNAIDS India. It advocates for reproductive rights, contraception, and female pleasure. The film is a call to bring back safe, culturally rooted spaces for young people to learn about love, consent, and sexuality, emphasizing that open conversations protect young women.
