"Made in Korea" director-actor on their cross-cultural story: 'Happy that world is coming closer' NEW DELHI: Director Ra Karthik and actor Priyanka Mohan expressed enthusiasm about their cross-cultural drama, "Made in Korea," which explores a young woman's fascination with Korean culture through shared love for films, music, and food. The film, which has topped Netflix's Global Top 10 Non-English Films chart in 24 countries, blends Indian and Korean traditions while highlighting growing global connections. Mohan noted that while Indians are drawn to K-dramas, K-pop, and Korean cuisine, South Koreans have a strong appreciation for Bollywood, particularly Aamir Khan’s film "3 Idiots." Karthik, inspired by his wife’s passion for Korean culture—from kimchi to Korean buns—said the movie reflects their shared curiosity about each other’s worlds. The film’s narrative centers on an Indian princess, Sembavalam, who travels to Korea in a school play, sparking her desire to explore the country. Karthik, who made his directorial debut with 2022’s "Nitham Oru Vaanam," emphasized the linguistic and cultural parallels between Tamil and Korean, such as words like "Appa" and "Amma," as a key inspiration for the project. Mohan, known for roles in films like "Doctor" and "Saripodhaa Sanivaaram," described filming in South Korea as a transformative experience. She admitted her character knew more about Korea than she did, prompting her to immerse herself in the culture. “We all share the same emotions, values, and traditions,” she said, adding that this commonality helped her connect with the material. The film features scenes with veteran Korean actress Park Hye-jin, renowned for roles in "Squid Game" and "Pachinko.#south_korea #made_in_korea #park_hye_jin #director_ra_karthik #actor_priyanka_mohan
‘Made In Korea’ movie review: An earnest Priyanka Mohan shoulders a cursory Hallyu excursion The film Made In Korea explores the intersection of Indian and South Korean cultures through the story of Shenba, a young woman from Tamil Nadu who moves to Seoul after a personal loss. Her journey is framed as a quest for self-discovery, community, and resilience, with a focus on her relationship with an elderly Korean woman. The narrative begins with Shenba’s fascination with South Korea, sparked by a school project that connects her town to the country’s history. This curiosity leads her to Seoul, where she navigates the challenges of a foreign environment, from learning to queue for public transport to finding work as a helper in a mansion. The film highlights her gradual integration into the city’s rhythm, aided by a kind stranger and a vlogger who becomes her first friend. Director Ra Karthik’s approach emphasizes Shenba’s emotional growth over romantic subplots, a departure from typical K-drama tropes. The story’s premise—centered on identity and belonging—resonates with global audiences, particularly as the K-wave gains traction in India. However, the film’s execution falls short of its potential. While Shenba’s journey is earnest and relatable, the addition of multiple subplots—such as her friends’ ambitions as singing superstars—dilutes the narrative. These arcs feel abrupt and underdeveloped, overshadowing the film’s core themes. The reviewer notes that a more focused exploration of Shenba’s daily life, such as her attempts to cook Korean dishes like garlic kimchi fried rice, would have provided deeper insight into her adaptation. Priyanka Mohan’s performance as Shenba is heartfelt and convincing, capturing the character’s vulnerability and determination.#ra_karthik #made_in_korea #park_hye_jin #priyanka_mohan #shenba
Made in Korea OTT review: A wasted opportunity A young woman from a hill town in Tamil Nadu, Shenba (Priyanka Mohan), has been captivated by Korean culture since childhood. Her obsession with K-dramas leads her to climb atop an elephant to secure a shaky internet connection, a visually striking moment in the film. However, the movie’s writer-director, Ra Karthik, fails to explore the deeper cultural ties between South Korea and Tamil Nadu. Beyond a disputed legend about a Korean queen’s Tamil heritage, the film lacks curiosity about the broader appeal of the Hallyu wave, which has influenced global audiences, including India. The narrative positions Korea as a backdrop for Shenba’s self-discovery, but the plot feels shallow. She relies heavily on her boyfriend, Mani (Rishikanth), to make critical decisions, including moving to Seoul for work. The film suggests that securing employment in Seoul is effortless, yet once there, Shenba faces a series of disappointments. Mani disappears, and the promised job is revealed as a scam. Shenba’s journey becomes a series of missteps, with only a few characters—like a young man (No Ho-jin) and an elderly woman (Park Hye-Jin)—offering her support. These figures, however, feel more like fairy-tale archetypes than realistic individuals. The film’s staging and script lack coherence, mirroring Shenba’s disjointed experience. At 113 minutes, the movie struggles to create a believable or engaging journey. The absence of realistic details or lived-in textures undermines Shenba’s transformation. Priyanka Mohan’s performance as a hapless heroine draws comparisons to Kangana Ranaut’s Rani from Queen (2013), but without the latter’s charisma or adventurous spirit. The Korean characters, while well-intentioned, feel underdeveloped and implausible.#ra_karthik #park_hye_jin #priyanka_mohan #rishikanth #no_ho_jin
Priyanka Mohan on how filming ‘Made In Korea’ was an experience to cherish Ahead of the release of Netflix’s cross-cultural project Made In Korea, actor Priyanka Arul Mohan and director Ra Karthik shared insights about their journey filming in Seoul, working with a Korean cast and crew, and how the film became a journey of discovery. The film follows Shenba, a character played by Mohan, as she navigates her fascination with South Korea, moving from her hometown in Tamil Nadu to the Land of Morning Calm. For Shenba, South Korea is a distant, almost fantastical place filled with K-Pop and K-Drama dreams. Initially, she believes a train will take her there, but as she grows, her yearning to visit the country deepens. The film blends her personal journey with family and relationship drama, avoiding the typical romance tropes of K-Dramas. Director Ra Karthik emphasized that the story was crafted to connect with fans of K-Pop and K-Dramas by focusing on the shared aspiration of visiting South Korea. “I wanted to explore both the fantasy and realities of this dream,” he explained, “and have her journey through human values rather than romance.” Mohans’ role as Shenba marked a milestone in her career, as it was her first film where she took the lead. The Tamil-Korean collaboration, a first for the region, brought together a diverse cast, including Korean actors like Park Hye-jin, known for her role in Squid Game. Priyanka described the experience as immersive, noting how the team, like Shenba, was constantly learning and discovering new aspects of Korean culture, food, and values during their one-and-a-half months of filming. Karthik shared his own experiences navigating Seoul, recalling how he arrived a week before the crew and had to figure out transportation and daily life on his own.#priyanka_arul_mohan #ra_karthik #made_in_korea #park_hye_jin #seoul
