NEW DELHI: Rajula, a film directed by writer-director Nitin Tewari, which is based on the famous folk tale of Uttarakhand Rajula-Malushahi, released today under PVR Director’s Rare Cut.
Several eminent personalities from Uttarakhand, including Union Water Resources Minister Harish Rawat, attended a premiere in the capital last evening.
Shot in the hills of Uttarakhand, the film portrays the changing dynamics in Rajula’s different relationships - with her father, brother or lover. This love story explores the strength of woman and the sacrifices she must make to achieve her love.
Rajula weaves two eras in a very interesting manner. The narrative of the film attempts to understand and connect the two mindsets prevailing in the two different eras – the ancient era and the present-day generation.
Ravi, a documentary filmmaker, returns to India after the death of his parents in an accident to research the story of Rajula-Malushahi. The story is popular in the area among different sets of people in different versions. He meets many people, who give him different inputs, before finally meeting Bhavna, a young lady from Uttarakhand, who helps him in his research.
He gradually falls in love with Bhavna, who is bound by various social taboos. However, it is while trying to understand the real story of Rajula-Malushahi that Ravi also gets an insight into the existing mindset in the area and is able to resolve a long-pending family dispute that began when her parents disapproved of his mother marrying against their will.
The film in Hindi, Garhwali and Kumaoni stars Ashima Pandey and Karan Sharma in the title roles along with Hemant Pandey, Chandra Bisht and Anil Ghildiyal. The music has been composed by Milind and Sudhir Rikhandi, giving the essence of Uttarakhand.
Presented by Himadri Productions and produced by Rama Upreti and Prianka Chandola, it has already won the Best Film – Audience’s Choice Award at the Delhi International Film Festival in December 2012.
Tewari said, “Writing and directing Rajula has been amazing experience for my team, the cast and me.”
