Dealing with the Male Gaze as a Solo Female Traveler: Insights from Roopa Rao
When she made the much-acclaimedGantumoote, director Roopa Rao was clear that the story had to encapsulate the life’s journey of her protagonists. While fans of the film are still hung over its afte...
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Director Roopa Rao, acclaimed for her work on Gantumoote, was determined that the film's narrative should capture the protagonists' life journeys. While fans continue to be captivated by its impact, Roopa recently revealed details about her upcoming project, Gochara. Despite the initial mention of Gantumoote 2, Roopa clarified that Gochara is not a sequel but is connected to her previous film in some way. She expressed her desire for audiences to uncover the link when watching the new film.

Roopa shared that the concept for Gochara was inspired by her own reflections on existential questions. Drawing from her experiences of solo travel and the questions she encountered, she described how her trips often raised concerns among others about her safety and companionship. This prompted her to explore the story of a woman embarking on a solo journey, delving into both inner and outer explorations.

Through her interactions with fellow female travelers, Roopa noted a recurring issue – it was not the act of traveling alone that posed a challenge, but rather the perceptions of men towards women who choose to do so. These conversations contributed to shaping the narrative of Gochara, where the protagonist travels across India, encountering diverse experiences. Roopa emphasized her aim for the film to empower women viewers and challenge societal norms, urging for a sense of liberation for both genders.