We always look towards ‘Mera
Dharam Meri Maa’ when it comes to Arunachali films. However, in recent
times lots of films have been produced that are equally par excellence. One
among them is -NEFA 1953-The Hidden War.
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| Still From 1953-The Hidden War ! |
Inspired by real event of some village in Arunachal Pradesh, the
films depicts about the fight for their land, sacrifice for love. One of the
dialogues says, “Our ancestors’ soul is inhabited
in this mountain. So, that is why we have to take care of it.”
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| Still From 1953-The Hidden War ! |
The film begins with a
brief depiction of Arunachal Pradesh’s Adi
warriors Matmur Jamoh and his companion who had killed British political agent,
Noel Williamson and medical official Dr Gregorson respectively in 1911.
Fast forward to 1953, post-independence! Indian government wants
to bring development in country’s every nook and corner implementing various
schemes. Indian forces (Assam Rifles) are assigned to carry out the tasks which
seem to be very difficult. One character is seen saying, “Kaam Mushkil Hai
Per Jaana to Padega(Task is difficult but have to go).”
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| Still From 1953-The Hidden War ! |
Indigenous tribal people, unaware of mainland people’s way of life
and their intention, are unwilling to welcome the outsiders but mediators
convinced them. These tribal people find difficulty in checking their rival
community at the one hand and advances
of the outsiders.
The tension and conflict between them crop up when the outsiders
start taking advantage of innocent people invading their privacy and social
affairs.
Left with no option, they retaliate. The repression is more
hostile. Indigenous people sacrificed their lives with bravery protecting
ancestral land.
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| Still From 1953-The Hidden War ! |
Besides the main theme, the film also deals with issues
including bride price system, nature’s worshiping, community’s norms and rules,
clash within communities and revenge killing
system that used to prevail earlier.
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| Still From 1953-The Hidden War ! |
Tarh Gungte’s acting as Maruk is stunning. His aggressive looks,
his disliking for outsiders, his grudges against rival community is all
perfect. In one of the scenes where he hides himself under water and shoots at
his enemy with an arrow is incredible.
Anna Taying’s acting is remarkable. The child birth scene looks
so authentic. Audiences can feel her pang. Scene where she is shown cutting the
umbilical cords with her teeth after giving birth is portrayed realistically that
looks so real and convincing!
Patey Tajuk (Dr Techi Upan Tara) is the main villain and has
acted flawlessly. The way he prays to nature, the way he kills his enemies, all
look perfectly villainous.
Rukje (Maruk’s
son) has brief but vital role. He gradually learns the way of the world from his
father; by witnessing and observing the happenings around him. When Rukje sails
back to his village is outstanding (emotional too!).
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| Still From 1953-The Hidden War ! |
Though the film will be compared the film with Apocalypto and Warriors of the Rainbow but NEFA 1953-The Hidden War is a pure Arunachali film.
The film is mostly in Nyishi dialect with few Tagin, Adi and
Galo dialects besides Hindi language with English Sub-titles. Portrayal of
violence and bloodshed may disturb few audiences yet the film has a smooth flow
like a beautiful short story being told without any digression.
State’s
beautiful locations have been captured brilliantly. Amazing waterfalls,
astonishing rivers, eye pleasing green hills are stunning. These locations must
be used for promotion of state’s tourism.
Special effects (for Arunachali film) are brilliant. Music by
Zerchi Musobi and Karga Ragiand editing by Taba Shekhar and Dhurba Kakoti are fantastic.
The film has exceptionally raised the bar of the quality of
Arunachali film. Everything about the
film is brilliant and can be termed as coming of an Arunachali film.
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| Still From 1953-The Hidden War ! |
A must watch film; not only for
its story, theme, background score but brilliant acting, technical excellence along
with amazing outdoor locations, the film will not bore you any bit.
Though film is not without flaws but brilliant acting; beautiful
background score make audience to ignore those flaws. The use of artificial rain is remarkable. It must have
been used for the first time in any Arunachali film (though I am not sure!)
Produced under the banner of TN Dreams Pictures;
Tar Aap, Tar Yokom Maya, Taw Ania and
Tapen Natam are the producers. Written and directed by Tapen Natam,
NEFA 1953-The Hidden War is so far
state’s one of the best films.
Audiences will thoroughly enjoy this 132 minutes long
film for its entertaining value; for telling the about fighting of those unsung
heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect their ancestral land.
Click here for watchng trailer :
* NEFA- North East Frontier
Agency
*Image Courtesy: YouTube
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