Axone

Directed by Nicholas Kharkongor, Axone is a 2019 Indian movie that splendidly stirs a fresh and flavorful mix of insightful social commentary, simple and relatable humor, and the heartfelt hardships of ambition and acceptance among diverse cultures of India. The film stars Sayani Gupta, Lin Laishram, and Jimpa Sangpo Bhutia in leading roles.

Axone centers on the lives of a group of young Northeastern migrants who are creating their home in the bustling cityscape of Delhi's Humayunpur, a neighborhood that's a melting pot of divergent cultures and ideologies. This group consists of friends from different Northeast Indian states, living in the same society and trying to adjust in the urban environment, which is drastically different from their hometowns.

The plot revolves around the celebration of a surprise wedding party by the Hangal (from Manipur) and the Nepali (from Nepal) characters for their friend Minam, played by Lin Laishram. The core of the film sets on the ethnic dish 'Axone,' fermented soybean paste, which the protagonists decide to cook for the wedding. However, it's a dish with a distinctive potent smell, love it or hate it, type of delicacy which often leads to consternation among the other tenants and neighbors who are unfamiliar with the Northeastern cuisine and culture.

The film gathers momentum as the friends scramble around the city, struggling to find a suitable place to cook their dish without triggering a ruckus or upheaval in their neighborhood. This seemingly simple quest takes the audience on a comedy-drama filled with an emotional roller coaster ride, fluctuating between the jubilant spirit of their friendship and their tribulations to maintain their cultural heritage in an alienating city. Amusing incidents ensue, compounded by their native language barriers, negotiating a pig's head, and dealing with a particularly stringent landlord, showcasing the lighter and darker shades of a metropolitan lifestyle.

Sayani Gupta impeccably portrays the character of Upasana, a Nepali woman engaged to her Nagaland-born lover, Zorem (played by Tenzing Dalha), whose eccentricities provide a comic relief to their complicated relationship. Rajiv Gupta, taking up the role of the antagonistic landlord, provides a perfect foil to the group’s endeavors. The film also introduces us to Bendang, played by Lanuakum Ao, who is a young musician overcoming his heartbreak, while Chanbi (played by Linda Arsen) provides a storyline about the struggles of a metropolitan working woman. Each character in Axone is carefully constructed, contributing significantly to the film's complex social fabric.

Nicholas Kharkongor's choice of narrative makes Axone a standout movie. It deals with the rarely recognized issue of cultural acceptance and racism within India. It takes an all-inclusive look at the northeastern community's stereotyping, which goes undiscussed in mainstream Indian cinema. By keenly focusing on these narratives, the film gives a voice to a distinct cultural group that often goes unheard in the cinematic universe.

Beyond the social commentary, Axone is a film packed with a powerfully emotive storyline that stands as a testament to friendship, love, and resilience. Its unique narrative unfolds in a single day yet manages to beautifully encapsulate the complex layers of cultural shock, racism, and identity struggles the protagonists face.

The film’s dialogue delivery in its mix of Hindi, English, and Northeastern dialects enhances the authenticity of the characters and their cultural backgrounds. In fact, it’s in these languages we see the subtle miscommunications and culture shocks the characters face, thereby leading to humorous yet insightful instances of cultural exchange.

Complementing the storytelling, the film's cinematography, led by Parasher Baruah, is worth mentioning. The camera work paints an intricate portrait of Delhi's urban neighborhood, effortlessly contrasting the cramped, claustrophobic city life with the beautiful friendships these characters develop. The vibrant soundtrack, featuring Killer Machine by Omak Komut Collective, syncs well with the movie's tones as it adeptly switches between moods and scenes.

A remarkably raw and realistic film, Axone offers an insightful perspective on multicultural society through the narrative of Northeastern migrants in Delhi. This movie, showcasing cultural diversity, integration issues, and age-old prejudices, is undoubtedly a refreshing take on contemporary Indian cinema, employing humor and heart to put forth meaningful dialogues about inclusivity and empathy.