In the quiet corners of Punjab, where history and modernity collide, Gurvinder Singh has crafted a cinematic masterpiece that resonates with the soul of the region. Rehmat his latest film, premiered at the 79th Locarno film festival in the main competition, vying for the prestigious Pardo d’Oro. This film, adapted from the short stories of Punjabi writer Ajeet Cour is a tapestry of three interconnected narratives that explore the themes of displacement and inherited grief.
The film’s journey began with a serendipitous encounter. The family living in the house used as Rashid Ali’s ancestral home in Rehmat experienced a tragic loss shortly after Singh and his crew met them. The family’s 19-year-old son, who Singh suspected was on drugs, died of an overdose within two months. This poignant event deeply influenced Singh’s approach to the film, shaping its narrative and themes.
Themes of Displacement and Inherited Grief
Rehmat is more than just a story; it is a reflection of Punjab’s turbulent history. Singh, who has spent three decades documenting Punjab’s folk ballads and oral histories, brings a deep understanding of the region’s struggles. The film resonates with his personal history, as Cour’s stories echo the experiences of his grandparents who migrated from Lahore to Delhi during the Partition.
For Singh, Rehmat offers a sense of closure. Though he did not experience the Partition firsthand, the trauma of the militancy years and the anti-Sikh carnage in Delhi in 1984 left a lasting impact. The film becomes a vessel for expressing the collective grief and displacement of Punjab’s people.
Naseeruddin Shah’s Transformative Performance
Naseeruddin Shah a revered figure in Indian cinema, brings a profound depth to the character of Rashid Ali. Shah’s commitment to the role was unwavering, even before the specifics were outlined. His admiration for Singh’s previous works and their shared cinematic sensibilities made this collaboration a natural fit.
Singh approached Shah with only a vague outline of Rashid’s character, trusting in Shah’s ability to bring the role to life. This leap of faith paid off, as Shah’s performance became a cornerstone of the film. His use of body language, gestures, and handling of objects transformed Rashid into a deeply personal expression of the character.
Shah’s ability to empathize with Rashid’s situation, despite not being Punjabi or speaking the language fluently, added layers to the character. Rashid’s ambiguity, initially introducing himself as God, is a testament to Shah’s nuanced performance. As Shah puts it, actors are not psychoanalysts; they must empathize with their characters’ situations.
Cinematic Techniques and Narrative Depth
Singh’s preference for long, unbroken takes is evident throughout Rehmat. These extended shots create a sense of uninterrupted time, drawing the audience into the film’s atmosphere. The opening shot, which establishes Seema’s world, is a prime example of this technique. Singh believes that long takes afford a unique quality of attention and being, much like life itself.
Shah, who has extensive stage experience, appreciates the use of long takes. He sees no great difference between stage and film acting when the pursuit is truth. This alignment of artistic vision between director and actor is a hallmark of Rehmat.
The film’s narrative was also shaped by its locations. The village, with its crumbling 19th-century school building and untended lanes, became a character in itself. Singh’s observations of Punjab today paint a bleak picture, highlighting the lack of imagination among the youth and the entrenched caste system. The gender discourse, particularly in rural areas, is abysmal, driving many young girls to seek opportunities in the West.
Rehmat is a co-production between India’s Vahao Studio and Paris-based Pavo Films with Singh and Arpana Caur serving as producers. The film’s cast includes Suvinder Vicky, Mita Vashisht, Navjot Randhawa, and Diya Kamboj, along with the celebrated Punjabi poet Jaswant Zafar, making his screen acting debut at 60 as Harjap.
In a world fraught with division and prejudice, Rehmat offers a beacon of hope. It is a testament to the power of empathy, kindness, and shared humanity. As the State seeks to erase and muffle its past, Singh’s film clings to the faded walls, insisting on a shared humanity that transcends purported chasms. Rehmat is not just a film; it is an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
