A review of Village Rockstars 2
With Village Rockstars 2, Rima Das returns to the Berlinale. In 2019, she received a Special Mention from the International Jury of Berlinale Generation for Bulbul Can Sing and in 2020, she was a member of the International Jury herself. Now comes Village Rockstars 2, the sequel to her 2017 feature film. However, prior knowledge of the first film is not necessary to immerse oneself in this story. In fact, the title, which suggests a straightforward continuation, somewhat understates how valuable and independent this film truly is.
From the very beginning, the breathtaking landscapes stand out. Captured in rich colors, nature is illuminated from all angles. It plays a central role—not merely as a backdrop, but as a source of strength and refuge for the protagonist Dhunu (Bhanita Das). She lovingly runs her hands through the grass, caresses plants, and surrenders herself to the sounds of the natural world. This deep connection to her surroundings runs like a thread through the entire film.
One of the film’s most touching aspects is Dhunu’s relationship with her mother, who sacrifices everything for her children to give them a carefree life and allow Dhunu to pursue her love of music. In scenes where they playfully tease each other or when Dhunu carries her mother on her back through the fields, the depth of their bond and the significance of such an intimate relationship become especially clear.
Yet the film is not solely about the mother-daughter relationship—it also paints a moving portrait of community. Right from the start, the audience is drawn into the village life: children play, laugh, and revel in their freedom. A warm and heartfelt atmosphere unfolds, one that seems to extend beyond the screen and into the cinema itself.
However, this idyllic world is not without its struggles. As the film progresses, it increasingly sheds light on social injustices: deep-rooted sexism denies girls their music, single mothers face relentless hardships, and life-altering decisions are made over women’s heads by men. In short yet powerful scenes, the film touches on issues such as land dispossession, poverty, and the precarious conditions faced by villagers—especially due to the unpredictability of the rains and the devastating floods that follow. Addressing such underlying themes in brief moments can sometimes risk feeling out of place in a film’s overall structure. Here, however, it forms a cohesive and compelling narrative that deeply resonates.
Despite all these hardships, Village Rockstars 2 portrays an extraordinary resilience and strength, particularly in Dhunu and her mother. Even in seemingly hopeless situations, they find ways to resist, to stand up for themselves, and to keep moving forward.
This delicate balance between hardship and lightness is what makes Village Rockstars 2 so special. Despite its serious themes, the film carries a certain ease, embodied primarily by Dhunu herself. Her connection to nature and her unwavering belief in a better future lend the film a profound authenticity—offering the audience a sense of courage and hope, even in the face of a bleak reality. For those seeking a film that addresses serious issues, evokes deep emotions, and still leaves them walking out of the cinema feeling hopeful, Village Rockstars 2 is an exceptional choice.
