Maj Rati Keteki: A Rare Gem in Assamese Cinema.

Maj Rati Keteki: A Rare Gem in Assamese Cinema.

    Image via:BookMyShow.

2017 has been exceptionally good for the Assamese film industry. Films like ‘Local Kung Fu 2’, ‘Shakira Ahibo Bokul Tolor Bihuloi’, ‘Beautiful Lives’, ‘Aei Maatite’ and ‘Mission China’ pushed the boundaries in terms of storytelling by dealing with issues like corruption, superstition, homosexuality  and how mindless acts of terror affects the lives of normal people.  One cannot help but revel with joy at the coming-of-age of Assamese cinema at such a crucial juncture when we are witnessing the resurgence of the Northeast as a whole. The good news is that the parade of inspiring films doesn’t end here as upcoming releases like ‘Village Rockstars’, ‘Dikchow Banat Palaax’ and ‘Calendar’ will carry forward the burning torch of meaningful Assamese cinema into the future.

Apart from these path breaking movies, a small and relatively much less publicized movie came out of nowhere and took the audience by surprise and awe. ‘Maj Raati Keteki’ first came into the public attention when it won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Assamese for the year 2017. From there it has been an uphill journey for the film. After winning rave reviews at the Bengaluru International Film Festival and at the International Film Festival of Kerala it finally opened in theatres across Assam on October 27. It had a proverbial slow start at the ticket counters but soon positive word of mouth spread like wild fire and people started queuing up to watch it at their nearest theatres. ‘Maj Rati Keteki’ is a pure cinematic treat that not only entertains but also gives you the satisfaction of watching a superior quality of art. There is not a single area in the film which can be accused of being substandard or lacking creative aesthetics. Be it the spiritualistic cinematography, the poignant and effective background score, or the cosmopolitan treatment of the subject matter; the film is a complete avant-garde material.

‘Maj Rati Keteki’ stands out for its minimalistic approach to dialogue as the focus is more on visual imagery and symbols to convey the human emotions. At the centre of the story is an artist at the peak of his creativity who is forced to confront his past in order to make sense of his present. Adil Hussain breathes life into the role of Priyendu Hazarika and makes him both an endearing and pragmatic character at the same time. He is ably supported by Sulakshana Baruah in the role of a budding writer who idolizes him. The best things about the characters in the film are that they are flesh and blood people with fluctuating moralities who are not immune to opportunistic tendencies. However at the end of the day they are all human beings who just want to be loved and appreciated.

Director Santwana Bordoloi doesn’t shy away from calling a spade by its name. The issues of casteism, sexual predators, and hypocrisy in the so called intellectual world of artists are shown without sugarcoating any aspects of it. The film is deep rooted in rural Assam as well as in an emerging one where literary festivals are the order of the day, thus exhibiting a universal appeal. ‘Maj Rati Keteki’ has all the makings of a future classic; one that will always remind you of how a good Assamese cinema can inspire you to campaign for its survival and longevity in the long run.

Written by David Lagachu
email: lagachu.david63@gmail.com
8011770756.