Experience the mystical and industrial collide in this captivating debut from India, showcased at this year’s Locarno Film Festival. Journey into the haunting ruins of Jharia, a once-thriving mining community now consumed by toxic waste and unending fires. But as the film unfolds, prepare for a shift in direction as our passive hero discovers the enigmatic wonders hidden within the neighboring woods.
The juxtaposition of ancient and modern is starkly portrayed as sound artist Shiva arrives in Jharia, armed with his recording equipment to capture the essence of this desolate city for his art installation in Kolkata. What starts as ambient sounds soon becomes a disorienting blend of sound and image, hinting at the impending supernatural occurrences that will shatter the boundaries of social realism.
Along his journey, Shiva encounters various locals, including a professor dedicated to educating the impoverished community and a skeptical policeman who questions the presence of art in such a grim environment. As the story unfolds, a newsreel reminiscent of “March of Time” reveals the false optimism of India’s industrial revolution, while an angry journalist from Mumbai challenges the complacency of the mining company. And amidst it all, a local elder speaks of a mysterious “tree of knowledge” and the annual disappearance of townspeople.
Just when you think you’ve grasped the narrative, the detective reappears, invading Shiva’s space and leaving us with an unsettling jump scare. The film takes a turn into mild folk-horror territory as Shiva delves deeper into the woods, where gunshots mingle with the eerie sounds of nature. It’s a departure from the civilized world of Jharia, as Shiva succumbs to the allure that has claimed so many before him, abandoning his recording tools and his identity as an artist.
The true meaning of it all remains elusive, with an accumulation of ambiguities leading to a subtle payoff that avoids neat resolutions. However, the film’s eco-conscious themes are remarkably clear, presented in a visually stunning style reminiscent of psychedelic genre films. With superb cinematography by Kenneth Cyrus, the dreamlike and nightmarish landscapes blend seamlessly, showcasing Chatterjee’s ambition, intelligence, and visionary talent as a director.
Title: Whispers of Fire & Water
Festival: Locarno (Concorso Cineasti del presente)
Director/screenwriter: Lubdhak Chatterjee
Cast: Sagnik Mukherjee, Amit Saha, Rohini Chatterjee, Saikat Chatterjee, Deepak Halder
Running time: 1hr 23 min
Sales agent: Little Lamb Films/Niv
