TLI Staff
New Delhi: With K-Pop and Korean dramas dominating the entertainment space, it’s no surprise that many in India show curiosity about their unique culture, food habits and even intricacies of their language. What happens when a small town girl undertakes a life-changing journey to South Korea, and takes on all the challenges in her stride?
Fascinated with all things Korean, Shenba finds herself in her place of dreams – Seoul. Travelling from Tamil Nadu to South Korea in an unforgettable journey, Shenba realises that the reality is far more challenging than she imagined. Treading ahead with a lot of resilience, she re-discovers herself and finds new connections.
Her dream took shape after she dressed as Shenbavalam for a school drama, the story of a Tamil girl who sailed from Kanyakumari to Korea.
Netflix’s new film Made in Korea is woven with a gamut of emotions the girl undergoes. Her curiosity, determination, and her heart-warming interactions make it a compelling watch.
“I am quite fascinated with the deep cultural connections and historical similarities between Korean and Tamil heritage. This curiosity inspired me to tell a story that felt personal and full of hope. Made In Korea is a slice-of-life film crafted with warmth, celebrating this unique cultural bond, and I’m thankful to Netflix for championing stories that transcend languages and bring global cultures closer together,” said director Ra.Karthik.
Produced by Rise East Entertainment, written and directed by Ra.Karthik, Made in Korea follows Shenbagam, or Shenba, whose childhood fascination with Korean culture inspires her to experience it for herself. Set to premiere on March 12 on Netflix, the film stars Priyanka Mohan as Shenba.
“Shenba’s dream of Korea comes from a place of wonder and curiosity. I felt deeply connected to Shenba’s story from the first narration, and being part of this Netflix film makes the journey even more special,” she said about the film in a statement. The film also features South Korean actors Park Hye-jin and No Ho-jin in pivotal roles, adding authenticity to its cross-cultural world.
With its gentle exploration of cross-cultural connection, aspiration, and everyday courage, Made In Korea invites audiences into a warm, heartfelt story of growth, friendship, and finding one’s identity.