Kadamtole Krishna Nache is pure self of Assam: Suman

Panaji, Nov 26 (UNI) 'Kadamtole Krishna Nache (Krishna Dances under Kadam tree) is a pure self of Assam, says director Suman Haripriya about her Assamese entry in the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here.

It is a dance-based musical film based on the philosophy of 15 th century Asamese saint Sankardeva.

The instruments and costumes used are all pure and traditional to create the ambience of the period.

''Shankar Deva's objective was to preach religious pursuit through devotion among all section of people cutting across caste, creed and religious differences, and that's why I have chosen this theme finding it very relevant today,'' said Ms Haripriya addressing a press conference about the film screened at the festival.

The outline of the story of the film is drawn through the journey of a educated youngman (shymkanu) is search of this roots in the domian of rich cultural heritage symbolically guarded by his grand father (Radhika Mohan Adhikari).

The message the youngman carries is that it is not dogmatism but geniality that enhances aceptability of any culture.

In view of the socio-educational backwardnes prevalent in Assam and other north-east areas during the 15th century Sanakardeva considered the media of dance, music, devotional songs and plays as the most effective means of unifying people into spiritual fraternity.

Theme or the central line of the story gave her ample scope to present a rich bouquet of traditional song and drama, said Ms Haripriya.

''Our soceity is being divided in the name of caste, creed and religion, and hero of the film at the end realises that we need another Sankardev today,'' she said.

Replying to a question, she said she was planning to dub it in Bengali, so that it could reach greater number of people.

''I want to take the rich cultural heritage of Sankardeva outside India too,'' she added.

Kadamtole Krishna Nache is her third feature film. Her two other films were commercially very successful in Assam. She has also made documentaries.

The music of the film has been composed by Pravat Sarmah.

UNI NAZ MQA RK1700