Indian expats in the Gulf, their problems on a reel

Doha: An Indian filmmaker is all set to bring the issues concerning Indian expatriates in the Gulf countries to the silver screen, a media report said.

The film by P. Suneel Kumar Reddy, writer and director-producer from Andhra Pradesh, is aimed at creating awareness among those who plan to migrate to the oil-rich nations.

"Just from the two Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana there are around two million people working in the Gulf," the Gulf Times quoted Reddy as saying.

"They (Indians in Gulf countries) are sending nearly Rs.700,000 million ($10,500 million) every year in remittances, but they are not getting the respect they deserve," he said.

"Most workers get cheated by middlemen and brokers who mint money at their expense. These workers are given promises that are a far cry from the realities of life in the Gulf," Reddy said.

But Reddy says he wants to show both sides of the story.

"By no means is my movie about showing the Gulf countries in a negative light," he said. "I have come to Qatar solely to understand the migrants' issues ... and engage in a discussion."

Titled 'Gulf', the film is currently in pre-production stage. Shooting will begin in September.

Apart from Hyderabad, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the shooting will be done in Muscat and Dubai.