Prabhu, a rich landowner and candidate in the local elections, brutally imposes his authority on his entourage: Malabari, his right-hand man and immigrant; Venkati, his young brother in love with Malabari’s sister; and Pathi, a young mute girl whose pregnancy is upsetting the established order. In the face of rising tensions and distrust with his rival Basu, Prabhu’s power begins to teeter. Although it distinctly shows unprecedented violence and corruption, this second feature affirms its author’s political sensitivity, which – rather than opt for a conventional denunciation – seems to prefer the more demanding choice of making us feel sadness differently, and more intensely. For, in the words of Elias Canetti, often cited by Godard: “We are never sad enough for the world to become better.”
Solal Raiman
French premiere
This film is not recommended for young audiences (under 12)
Some scenes may be disturbing to viewers
