SHILLONG: Noted Khasi film director Pradip Kurbah is back to doing what he does best – directing.
His latest movie Onaatah that won the National Award recently was welcomed by the students’ community and teachers alike after it was screened at St Anthony’s College on Thursday.
The movie depicts the struggles a rape victim faces in the form of stigma from society and how she re-discovers life after the incident after meeting people.
The movie with its striking portrayal of landscapes in sync with the moods of the characters exudes a fresh feel.
Lead actress Sweety Jane Pala, who stepped into the shoes of a rape victim in the film, was lauded for her acting skills with some students attending the interactive session claiming it to be inspiring.
Asked how she prepared for the role, she said, “Rehearsals went on for months.”
Lead actor Melvin Mukhim’s acting was applauded by the audience for his comic timing, with the audience responding to his betel nut chewing character with peals of laughter.
Narrating how he deftly slipped into the character of a garrulous villager and how he prepared for the role of a Nongkrem dialect speaking lad, he said, “It took a couple of months and it took a lot of effort in visiting places like Jongksha, Mawkynrew and Mawlynngot to understand the language and the dialect.”
Asked if he thought he had done justice to his funny character which is a far cry from his usually serious acting, he said, “If at all the people have laughed and gone all along the way with the character, I think it is because they connect with him.”
The audience applauded the movie; the beautiful landscape presented in the movie and the leading actors were praised for their inspiring acting. Overall the film was praised for presenting a relevant issue of rape while attempting to bring to light the struggle victims of rape face and for inspiring women to be strong in their journey.
At the end of the screening, both the actors gracefully signed autographs for students and fans.
The excited students expressed joy at having watched Onaatah and hoped that the film will get recognized at both the national and the international level.
