Regional films shine spotlight on real issues and forgotten stories

Panaji: At a recent press conference, filmmakers from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and the Hindi-speaking belt presented three compelling films that draw from real-life incidents, folklore, and the life of an unsung poet, showcasing diverse themes and regional narratives.

Tamil short film explores feudalism and women’s struggles

Set in a southern Tamil Nadu village grappling with the decline of farming traditions, this short film follows Ranjitham, a poor farm laborer, and her fight to fund her daughter’s education. The narrative unravels the oppressive feudal mentality as an overseer denies wages to her co-worker Sevuthi.

Director Infant, addressing the media, said, “The film highlights the issues women face and aims to inspire them to fight for their rights.” Easwaren Karthikeyan, Director of Photography, and other crew members were present at the event.

‘Main Nida’: A Tribute to Poet Nida Fazli

Renowned filmmaker Atul Pandey brings to life the story of poet and philosopher Nida Fazli through an audio-visual biography, ‘Main Nida’. The 59-minute documentary traces Fazli’s literary brilliance and his struggle to gain recognition in the entertainment industry.

Producer Atul Gangwar revealed that over 210 hours of footage capturing Fazli’s life were condensed through meticulous editing. Pandey emphasized Fazli’s timeless relevance, stating, “His poems can transform perspectives and inspire a better society.”

Malti Joshi Fazli, Fazli’s wife of 34 years, reminisced, “Nida Saab always believed in winning over life through struggle, keeping religion aside.”

‘Kerebete’: A tale rooted in Karnataka’s folklore

Inspired by the malnad region’s traditional fishing festival, ‘Kerebete’ tells the story of Naga, a fish hunter striving to secure land for his family while navigating love and life’s struggles.

Lead actor and producer Gowrishankar SR, who plays Naga, shared, “The fight sequences were kept realistic to reflect authenticity.” Director Rajguru juxtaposes the characters against epic narratives from the Ramayana, drawing parallels to timeless human struggles.

Comparing the film to ‘Kantara’, Rajguru expressed optimism about the appeal of regional folklore, saying, “Local stories have a universal resonance.”

Celebrating regional narratives

These films, rich in cultural and thematic depth, showcase the growing prominence of regional cinema in addressing critical social issues, celebrating local traditions, and bringing forgotten stories to the forefront.