Caste-based honor killings continue to occur in many states of India, including Tamil Nadu. In the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, these murders are often committed in a brutal manner in public. In central districts, such killings are sometimes disguised as suicides, even targeting their own family members. Many women who were killed for inter-caste relationships have even been turned into local deities.
Director Pepin George, who studied cinema and made the film Yemakadagi, hails from Tanjore. The region has strong superstitious beliefs, including rituals performed for those who die unnaturally. The belief is that unless proper mourning is done, the spirit of the deceased won’t allow the body to be taken to the burial ground. Using this cultural backdrop, the director weaves a story combining honor killing and supernatural elements in Yemakadagi.
The film’s storyline revolves around a village affected by the death of a young woman. It was shot in and around Tanjore. Featuring Kavanta Roopa Kodavayur in the lead role, the film also stars Narendra Prasad and Geetha Kailasam. It is set to release worldwide on March 7 under the banner of Yeshwa Pictures.
Yemakadagi is produced by Srinivasarao Jalagam and Ganapathi Reddy. Cinematography is handled by Sujith Sarang, known for his work in films like Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru, Dear Comrade, Muthal Nee Mudivum Nee, and Kaanam. Whether this movie will mark the beginning of a new horror trend remains to be seen.
