Village Rockstars

Village Rockstars is a coming-of-age drama film that was released in 2017. It was directed by Rima Das who, with only her second film, has cemented a hefty presence on the global stage of cinema. The cast features newbies who create magic within their innocent acts, with Bhanita Das in the lead role, supported by Basanti Das and Boloram Das.

The story revolves around a 10-year-old girl named Dhunu who hails from a village in Assam, India. With her vibrant imagination and determination, she aspires to form a rock band, thus the name "Village Rockstars". The film subtly explores Dhunu's dream and her pursuit of it while capturing the rural life and natural landscapes of Assam with immense attention to detail. The story is told through the experiences and challenges faced by young Dhunu and her group of boy friends in their day-to-day lives.

Bhanita Das, who plays the role of Dhunu, vividly displays the boundless spirit of a tenacious child who refuses to be limited by her circumstances. Her performance is natural and unfettered, perfectly encapsulating the movie's emphasis on freedom, dreams, and childhood.

Basanti Das, who portrays Dhunu's mother, also delivers an illustrious performance. Despite being uneducated and widowed with limited resources, she far-sightedly encourages her daughter's aspirations in a society known for its deeply entrenched gender norms. She shines as an example of strength and resilience, providing an evocative portrayal of a mother's unconditional love and support interacting and conflicting with the rigid societal norms.

The film, shot over a period of four years mainly in the village of Chhaygaon in Assam, features scenic landscapes through all seasons and a simplistic setting reflecting the hardships and resilience of the rural life. The aesthetic shots and the tranquil vibes of the village life present a sheer visual delight that further adds to the film's immersive storytelling. The music is instrumental, blending local Assamese tunes with the theme of rock, reflecting the central motif of the story.

What makes Village Rockstars exceptionally captivating is the involvement of non-professional actors, an element that breathes life and authenticity to the narrative. The performances are earthy and devoid of theatrical exaggeration, creating a powerful and compelling viewing experience. It's a masterstroke from Rima Das, who not only directed the film but also wrote, shot, and edited it. The director has effectively used natural light, and the outcome on the screen is simply breathtaking. It's like living a life with Dhunu and her band of friends in their world.

The film is a celebration of dreams and the idea that they are achievable irrespective of one's socio-economic status. It advocates progressive thinking and gender equality in society, treating everyone as humans and nothing else. Moreover, its success in portraying the contrast between the simplicity of rural life and the complexity of social norms adds a layer of depth to the narrative.

Village Rockstars was recognized for its compelling narrative and beautiful visual storytelling. It was India's official entry to the Oscars for the Best Foreign Language Film category and bagged four awards at the 65th National Awards, including Best Feature Film, Best Child Artist, Best Audiography, and Best Editing.

This picture successfully pushes against the boundaries of conventional cinema, dishing out a fresh and realistic portrayal of dreams and aspirations. It delves deep into the life of a village girl who refuses to confine herself within societal limitations and as a viewer, one can't help but cheer for Dhunu as she strives to play her imagined guitar under the open sky.

Filmmaker Rima Das’s commitment to her work and her vivid storytelling ability truly make Village Rockstars a must-watch film that resonates with young and old alike. Her distinctive cinematic style, combined with the brilliant performances and an engaging script, results in a movie that's more than just an entertainer. It's a felt experience that stays with the viewer long after the film has ended. Village Rockstars is certainly one of the most defining and distinctive movies to come out of Indian cinema in recent years.