Namita Lal’s ‘Oxygen’ Explores the Moral Ambiguity of Corruption in a Contemporary Setting.

Actress-producer Namita Lal’s much-anticipated film Oxygen is set to release on OTT platforms, bringing a compelling narrative about the deep moral complexities surrounding corruption. Lal, who recently won the Jury Award for Best Actress at the Caleidoscope Indian Film Festival in Boston, USA, describes the film as a timely reflection on today’s world and the pervasive issue of corruption.

“Oxygen delves into the moral ambiguity of corruption, which is the film’s central theme,” Lal explains. “The story is set against the backdrop of forest officers and the forest department in Kashmir, and it takes inspiration from real-life experiences of government officials, including my father, who played a significant role in shaping the storyline.”

Lal’s character, Nikhat, is a forest officer who works under the head of the department. While managing her personal life and family, Nikhat is intricately connected with her colleagues and staff, who are all part of a large-scale, illegal operation. This operation involves the illegal felling of trees that are highly sought after in the black market. Lal’s role as a bureaucrat deeply embedded in a corrupt system adds complexity to the story as the characters grapple with moral decisions that could alter their lives forever.

The film was shot in the breathtaking forests of Poonch and Surankote in Kashmir, with the cast and crew living in tents during production. Lal shares that the experience of filming in this sensitive, militarized region was both intense and surreal, especially considering this was only her second film after Lihaaf. “The location near the Line of Control was hauntingly beautiful yet deeply impactful. It was one of the most intense filming experiences of my life,” she recalls.

Lal’s personal connection to the project further adds depth to her portrayal of Nikhat. “Coming from a family of bureaucrats, I have seen firsthand how the system operates, with its pressures, politics, and moral dilemmas. Often, resisting the system results in transfers or even professional isolation. This film, based on a true story, resonated with me on a personal level, as it highlights how widespread corruption influences lives and how people engage in it for survival,” she explains.

The story highlights the everyday instances of corruption that many people face, such as bribes for traffic violations, moving files for a fee, or other under-the-table deals. Lal reflects, “Corruption has become a survival tool for many, especially when salaries alone cannot sustain families or support dreams. The film addresses this reality, which is especially pertinent in today’s society. Just like the stubble burning crisis in Punjab and Haryana, where pollution spreads across borders and affects cities like Delhi and even Singapore, corruption often stems from people trying to make ends meet in the face of systemic failure. This dilemma is what makes Oxygen such a resonant and thought-provoking film.”

Oxygen is a powerful exploration of the moral and social consequences of corruption, and its relevance to contemporary issues makes it a film that speaks to global audiences. Namita Lal’s heartfelt performance and the film’s thought-provoking narrative promise to make it a must-watch this season.