Program Note

Based on a folk story in Rajasthan, this work represents a change in modern Indian cinema. It’s titular character, the beautiful Laila is asked to marry a herdsman from a tribe and soon migrates to a remote village in Kashmir. She is surrounded by constant labor, repressive traditions, a dimwit of a husband and a police inspector who keeps harassing her. Laila relentlessly asks questions about her existence until she is elevated to a mythical dimension. Nature is the only thing that lifts her spirits and through it she finds strength and harmony. This woman’s struggle in a remote village is captured powerfully with the aid of the music featured. Which includes seven old folk songs and poems by the mysterious 14th century poet, Raleshwari. (LEE Yongchul)

Director

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  • Pushpendra Singh