Priyanka Upendra's 'Devaki' Releasing this week: Inspired from a Tragic Tale of Child-Trafficking in Kolkata

“I was ready to make Mummy sequel, but the subject needed me to shoot only during snowfall. Meanwhile, I read an article about something that had taken place in Kolkata. It was about a family losing their children. It caught my attention, and became the base of Devaki,” Lohith said in a recent promotional interview.

Adding that the incident still remains a nightmare for the family. “Even today, after six years, the mother, at some point of time during the day, waits for her son with a glass of milk, hoping for his arrival. I took a few key points from the article, and adapted it for cinematic purpose,” he said. 

Devaki was earlier titled Howrah Bridge. But Lohith decided to change the name just weeks before release. “Even some of my friends were confused. I had a tough time convincing them that it was the same film. When we watched the final version, we realised that Devaki was a better title. However, the actual bridge itself is an important part of the storyline,” he said. Most of the film was shot on location in Kolkata.

The family connection of Upendra family with 'Devaki', when Upendra Himself agreed to voice the narration for the film, Devaki also marks the film debut of Aishwarya Upendra, daughter of Upendra and Priyanka. Devaki is all set for release on 5th July.