The upcoming film “Rehmat,” directed by Indian filmmaker Gurvinder Singh, seeks to capture the profound grief and realities of life in a contemporary Punjabi village, drawing inspiration from actual events that occurred within the community it depicts. At its core, the film tells a poignant story against the backdrop of loss and displacement, heightened by the tragic reality of a local family who recently suffered a devastating loss.
A Tragic Encounter
Singh recounts a harrowing experience he encountered while preparing for “Rehmat.” He tells Variety, “The actual family that lives there lost their 19-year-old son after we met them for the first time. When I looked at him, the first thought that ran in my mind was that he was on drugs. And he died of an overdose within two months. What else do I need to say? How can that not affect you as a filmmaker planning a film in that scenario?” This personal tragedy adds a layer of authenticity to a narrative intertwined with themes of grief and inherited trauma.
World Premiere at Locarno Film Festival
“Rehmat” is set to have its world premiere in the Concorso Internazionale, the main competition at the 79th Locarno Film Festival, where it is the sole Indian feature vying for the prestigious Pardo d’Oro. The film is adapted from the short stories of Punjabi writer Ajeet Cour, intertwining three narratives that capture the essence of displacement in modern Punjab.
Personal Connection to Historical Narratives
Singh relates to Cour’s stories through his own family history, noting, “She has written about many themes, uprootedness being one of them, and she belongs to my grandparents’ generation that migrated from Lahore or other parts of west Punjab to Delhi.” He reflects on his three-decade journey documenting Punjab’s folk ballads and oral histories, stating, “I never experienced the Partition, but did feel a sense of trauma during the years of militancy and the anti-Sikh carnage in Delhi in 1984. Frankly speaking, this film offers me a closure. I feel it has brought out all that I needed to express about the divided land and its people.”
Stellar Cast and Unique Filmmaking Approach
The film features seasoned Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah, who portrays Rashid Ali, a Punjabi Muslim returning to his roots after living in England. Shah’s commitment to the role was evident even before he received specifics about it. “I’d seen and been deeply moved by Gurvinder’s films,” he says. “His cinematic sensibility and his take on the turmoil in his home state made profound statements.” Singh approached Shah without having written the script, relying on the actor’s conviction to develop the character further.
Singh praises Shah’s ability to bring depth to the character, noting, “I had decided that I would initially observe him in front of the camera and then figure out my approach. But I kept doing that and hardly needed to direct him.” Shah himself acknowledges the challenges of embodying a character that exists within a cultural context he is not fluent in, stating, “I agree I don’t have the Punjabi heartiness and I don’t look Punjabi. But I think that helped to identify Rashid as an outsider.”
Long Takes and the Narrative of Punjab
Singh’s affinity for long, unbroken takes is evident throughout the film, a stylistic choice that enhances narrative immersion. He elaborates, “The sense of uninterrupted time that the long take affords… is highly involving for me as a spectator.” Conversely, he acknowledges when montage might be necessary, suggesting that life itself reflects a blend of continuous flow and episodic breaks.
Shah shares this appreciation for long takes, connecting them to his stage work: “Frankly I don’t believe there’s a great difference between stage and film acting if truth is what you’re looking to find.” Singh also points out that the village’s condition played a crucial role in shaping the story, revealing, “Bleak from the perspective of lack of imagination among the youth or those of my generation… the gender discourse is abysmal, especially in the villages.”
A Diverse Ensemble and Invaluable Contributions
Alongside Shah, the cast includes notable actors such as Suvinder Vicky and Mita Vashisht, as well as Punjabi poet Jaswant Zafar, making his acting debut at 60. Singh acknowledges Zafar’s authenticity, stating, “Whenever I have cast a non-actor in a major role, it is fully knowing that the person will play himself or herself on screen.”
A Meaningful Film Journey
Produced by Singh and Arpana Caur with co-producers Andrei Cosmin Illes and Némésis Srour, “Rehmat” represents a remarkable collaboration between India’s Vahao Studio and Paris-based Pavo Films. Reflecting on the importance of the film, Shah expresses, “Even if not widely seen now, they will remain as a testament.”
As for Singh’s future endeavors, he admits, “I am not sure what I want to do after this. I came to the cinema through some conspiracy of the universe. I grew up painting and writing. I am painting again these days.” With “Rehmat,” both the cast and crew are contributing to a narrative that not only honors the pain of the past but also sheds light on contemporary issues in Punjab.
