SHILLONG: Come December 16, Bijou Cinema will screen the first Khasi horror movie, ‘Dak Bangla’ directed by Kitbok Kharmalki of ‘Papa’ fame.
“The movie draws its ideas from today’s never ending crime against women and children. Hopefully, it will serve as a message to people to not indulge in such crimes and to discourage others from committing such crimes,” Kharmalki told The Shillong Times.
The filmmaker voiced his concern over the increasing number of such crimes as with each passing day, culprits are emboldened.
Elaborating on the making of the movie, he said that the concept of the film was conceived in 2014. “It is not based on a true story but speaks on issues pertinent to the struggle faced by society with regard to crimes against women,” he said.
The making of the movie was not an easy affair, at least technically. Speaking to this reporter, the director narrated accounts of spooky and spine-chilling events that transpired during the days of shooting. “We were very excited about shooting on the first day and the work usually started at night. We felt nothing uncanny on day 1; however, things took a different turn from day 5. We all felt that there is something frightening at that place,” Kharmalki said.
Following that event, a series of mysterious misadventures took place with the crew members. “We wrapped up the shooting and came back to Shillong for the editing. It was beyond belief when I found that the footages for day 15 were missing. We had to go back and re-shoot the scenes for another 4 days,” he added.
Setting aside the paranormal activities, Kharmalki lauded the dedication and hard work of the crew members who took it upon themselves to complete the shooting within the stipulated period of time.
“We received very good response when the teaser of the movie was released during the Kyllang Rock festival at Mairang last year. I hope that the public will like the movie,” Kharmalki said.
The movie features Sylviana L. Mawlong, winner of Dance Meghalaya Dance, who charmed the directors and producers when she met them at Shillong Club. “She was given a year’s training to work on her character. She has played a double role in the movie,” Kharmalki said. The cast also includes Regina Lamo, Joseph Pyngrope, Matilda Nongbah and Banjoplang Kharmalki.
