By Dennis D. McDonald
This non-political story about a young terrorist-in-training takes place in a series of backwoods training camps in India, culminating in the travel and preparation of a young teenage female to blow up herself, and a target official selected by her mentors, in a crowded public place.
The details of her cause are purposely sketchy. We learn little about the real thinking behind those so ready to sacrifice her and her other young compatriots. We do learn a lot in flashback about her training, and her brutality, and about her youth.
The images of nature, rain, and flowing water caught on this film are arresting and brilliantly displayed by the DVD. So too are the nuances of character, where even those caught in murderous undertakings experience normal fears and uncertainties and even tender friendships.
Ayesha Dharkar is the actress who plays the lead part. She is expressive, quiet, with large luminous eyes and the ability to zoom from rest to emotional intensity in the blink of an eye. See her also in The Mystic Masseur.
I highly recommend this film, directed by Santosh Sivan (Asoka), for its characters, its story, its emotional intensity, and its gorgeous cinematography.
