A gripping tale of justice and resilience: ‘Pooja, Sir’ at Venice Film Festival
A story inspired by real events
Deepak Rauniyar’s latest film, “Pooja, Sir”, has made waves at this year’s Venice Film Festival, competing in the Horizons strand. The film draws inspiration from the 2015 race protests in Southern Nepal, focusing on the Madhesi community. The narrative kicks off with the kidnapping of two boys in a border town, prompting Detective Inspector Pooja to be dispatched from Kathmandu to solve the case. However, her mission is complicated by the political unrest and violent protests that greet her upon arrival. To navigate these challenges, Pooja teams up with Mamata, a local Madhesi policewoman. Together, they confront systemic discrimination and everyday misogyny to crack the case.
A stellar cast and production team
The film boasts a remarkable cast led by Asha Magrati, alongside Nepali cinema superstar Dayahang Rai, Nikita Chandak, Reecha Sharma, Bijay Baral, Gaumaya Gurung, Aarti Mandal, Ghanashyam Mishra, Prameshwar Kumar Jha, Pashupati Rai, and Niraj Shrestha. The production is a collaborative effort between Rauniyar and Magrati for Aadi Films, Ram Babu Gurung for Baasuri Films, and Alan R. Milligan for Tannhauser Gate. The project also received funding from the Norwegian Film Institute’s Sorfond.
International acclaim and distribution
The film has already secured several territory sales, with ARP Sélection acquiring rights for France, Trigon-film for Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, and The Tea Folks Films and Byankatesh Entertainment for Nepal. Michèle Halberstadt of ARP expressed enthusiasm, stating, “‘Pooja, Sir’ is a film that takes us right to the heart of its intrigues, culture, and landscapes. In that respect, it is unexpected and fascinating. We are delighted to present it to audiences in France.”
Rauniyar’s cinematic journey
Rauniyar is no stranger to international acclaim. His debut feature, “Highway”, premiered at the 2012 Berlinale and was showcased at Locarno. His second feature, “White Sun”, won awards at Venice, Palm Springs, Fribourg, and Singapore festivals in 2016. Additionally, Rauniyar is a Berlinale Talents alumnus, and his short film “Four Nights” was featured in Berlinale Shorts in 2022.
A film rooted in social realities
Meret Ruggle of Trigon-film praised Rauniyar’s storytelling, noting, “Once again, Deepak Rauniyar crafts a story rooted in the social realities of his home country, this time through the lens of the crime genre, depicting discrimination on various layers. We believe that with its compelling narrative and the outstanding performance of Asha Magrati, this film will be one of the standout gems in this year’s Venice selection.“
Watch the teaser
For a glimpse into this compelling narrative, you can watch the teaser for Pooja, Sir.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
As a cinema enthusiast, “Pooja, Sir” offers a rich tapestry of cultural and social commentary wrapped in a gripping crime drama. The film’s setting in Southern Nepal during a period of significant political unrest provides a unique backdrop that is both educational and engaging. The collaboration between Pooja and Mamata, two strong female characters, adds a layer of depth and resilience that is often missing in mainstream cinema.
In-depth analysis
The film’s exploration of systemic discrimination and misogyny is particularly poignant. It challenges viewers to reflect on their own societal structures and the pervasive nature of these issues. The performances by Asha Magrati and the supporting cast are expected to bring these themes to life with authenticity and emotional depth.
Distinctive comments
What sets “Pooja, Sir” apart is its ability to weave a compelling narrative that is both specific to its cultural context and universally relatable. The film’s success at securing international distribution deals is a testament to its broad appeal and the universal relevance of its themes.
For those interested in exploring more about the film, the teaser provides a tantalizing glimpse into the world Rauniyar has created. The film promises to be a standout in this year’s Venice selection, offering a powerful story that resonates on multiple levels.
By integrating these insights and reflections, the article not only informs but also engages readers, encouraging them to delve deeper into the world of “Pooja, Sir” and the broader context it represents.