London Indian Film Festival 2014: Reviews

August 1 2014

REVIEWS from the films in London Indian Film Festival 2014 and don’t be offended! Not for those of a delicate disposition. From the most recently seen and in order of screening…

“Hemalkasa” – Doctor likes animals and discards vestiges of contemporary life, including outer garments; life in the country suits him and loving wife and dedicated followers, after initial suspicion of tribals who think he is the witch doctor! Bonds develop; the couple make a difference out in the sticks. Brave, sentimental, with two great central performances but perhaps a little earnest. Will it get a wide release? Mmmm…
ACV rating: 2.5 (out of five)

'An American in Madras'

'Anima State'

'Kanyaka Talkies' (Virgin Talkies)

Apur Panchali

'Sulemani Keeda' (Writers)

Hank (Andrew Pastides) and Asha (Mahira Kakkar)

“Sold” – Despite its rather unflinching subject matter – child trafficking and prostitution, this is an upbeat film with a good heart and passion and commitment at its core.
Jeffrey Brown in his first directorial outing keeps it all moving well and fairly briskly. Anderson is fetching in a white sari, rather reminiscent of Mother Teresa. The film is largely set in the slums of Kolkata but her role is by no means large, though some may argue, pivotal. David Arquette is another American who seemingly has a halo above them. Sorry. There are Indians too who come to the rescue of the girl in question, Lakshmi, and in that sense, there are others who battle against the odds to help her. This is a huge and real global problem and the filmmakers are keen to address the issue and raise funds for its eradication. On that level everyone should support them and this film has an enduring and powerful message, if you can sit through the early, excruciating and horrific scenes of a child (about 10) being raped – not graphically depicted of course, but by inference.
Still hugely unpleasant and nauseous but utterly necessary for the telling of this tale. What makes “Sold” is the tenderness of Lakshmi (Niyar Saikia) and Brown films a rounded character, capable of good and bad – a child who has grown up too fast but still has her wits about her despite the very cruel life foisted upon her…
ACV rating: ***

Main Picture: Hemalkasa

• A review of “Million Dollar Arm” will appear before its UK release on August 29.