Maj Rati Keteki

"Maj Rati Keteki" is an intense, emotionally gripping Assamese language film directed and written by renowned filmmaker Santwana Bardoloi. Released in 2017, the film boasts an impressive cast featuring the celebrated Indian actor Adil Hussain, Shakil Imtiaz, and Sulakshana Baruah. The title, translated into English, means "Before the Second Nightfall," and the film is a stylistic yet acute depiction of the social fabric of the Indian state of Assam.

The narrative of "Maj Rati Keteki" centers around the life of a well-known writer, portrayed by Adil Hussain, who, after winning a significant literary prize, returns to his native village in Assam after seven long years. His homecoming is a profound journey of personal introspection, as he grapples with the juxtaposition of his current fame, success, and urban life with the simplicity, authenticity, and rootedness of his rural background.

Adil Hussain's character is considered an epitome of success and glory, desired by many. However, he carries within him an unstated trepidation—an unsettling sense of estrangement, even in his own hometown. His emotional journey, as he attempts to reconnect with his past, forms the crux of the plot. Hussain, known for his formidable emotive skills, delivers a powerhouse performance, adding depth and soul to his complex character.

Further, Shakil Imtiaz and Sulakshana Baruah have also done a commendable job in making their characters look alive and relatable. They brilliantly portray the innocence and the simplicity of people living in remote villages, emphasizing the quiet yet sturdy resilience that defines them.

In the core of "Maj Rati Keteki," lessons from the past are not merely memories. They are a profound exploration of origins, identities, and purpose—an investigation into class disparities, familial relationships, and the aspirational dreams of rural dwellers. The writer's encounters with various villagers, his conversations, his recollections, and most importantly his silent observations metamorphose his perception of life, achievement, and self-worth.

Moreover, the film serves as a lens through which the audience can discern the oft-ignored stories of rural India. It opens a dialogue on the stark differences budding between urban and rural lifestyles, highlighting how rapidly growing urbanization can cause a chasm between human relationships, values, and the sense of community.

Director Santwana Bardoloi demonstrates remarkable finesse and sensitivity in her handling of the storyline. She skillfully uses the elements of silence and nature to heighten the impact of her characters' emotions and conversations. The screenplay is, at times, subtle, and at times, vivid, with a balance of dialogues and silence that successfully keeps the audience engrossed.

The cinematography of "Maj Rati Keteki" requires a special mention. The rural landscape of Assam, with its lush green fields, rivers, and the serene environment, is captured in all its pristine beauty. These visuals provide a refreshing and gratifying contrast to the square, stylized life in the city.

"Maj Rati Keteki" does not just stop at ascribing nostalgia to the native village or criticizing urbanization, but rather promotes a critical understanding of the past and present, field and city, the self and the society in the backdrop of Assam—a state with its distinctive cultural nuances and socio-economic dynamics.

In conclusion, "Maj Rati Keteki" is more than just a film. It's a visual poem of life in rural Assam, a philosophical exploration of life and success, and a critique of the socio-cultural shifts in contemporary India. Rife with human emotions such as guilt, regret, love, compassion, and a plethora of others, it’s an appeal for innate humanism—a plea to acknowledge one's roots, to understand and appreciate the simpler aspects of life, and most importantly, to introspect the essence of true success and contentment. It will certainly leave the viewers musing and questioning their own understanding of life, identity, and their perception of success and happiness.