Documentary Chronicles the Struggles of Opium-Farming Families in Rajasthan

Vivek Chaudhary’s documentary ‘I, Poppy’ presents an intimate portrayal of Mangilal Meghwal and his family, Dalit farmers in Rajasthan who are grappling with debt, bureaucratic corruption, and the precarious realities of opium cultivation. Filmed over four years, the documentary captures the contrast between Mangilal’s combative activism and his mother Vardibai’s cautious pragmatism. The film examines how government policies, low procurement prices, and the need to pay bribes for official certification push small-scale farmers into the black market. Chaudhary and cinematographer Mustaqeem Khan document the family’s daily life, highlighting the emotional and financial strain that shapes their decisions. By focusing on lived experiences rather than overt exposition, the film emphasizes human complexity and resilience, portraying the Meghwals as fully realised individuals rather than stereotypes. Completed in 2025, ‘I, Poppy’ has been selected for multiple prestigious international film festivals, including Hot Docs, Busan, and DOC NYC, and continues to tour globally. Through the narrative, viewers gain insight into the structural and social challenges faced by opium cultivators in India, alongside the interpersonal dynamics within a family navigating these pressures.