"Nainsukh" is a visually intoxicating film about the life of Nainsukh of Guler all weaving into a culturally specific tapestry. Amit Dutta created a beautiful film that invaluably rewards viewers by referring to the culture, its tradition, and its images. He takes note of the sound mix of the time to interweave a collage of iconographies in which the most counterpoint delicate and expressive / conceptual juxtaposition inflames the viewer's intellect to disarticulate his comfort zone and trigger the imagination.
Like living tableaux, the film's plans ingeniously blend angles, movement of the actors, colors and tradition, making dialogues unnecessary, rarely surprised by a monologue with its fragmented narrative, where visual elements gain preponderance over spoken speech. Each image is placed in the space perfectly, symmetrically, each actor moves according to commands, each scene shines in its austerity. Narrated in the form of small sketches. The montage is another element that plays a fundamental role, since the plans are filmed with the static camera (there are no camera movements throughout the film) and later juxtaposed, without necessarily greater links between the anterior and the posterior. The result, largely dreamlike, although it parallels many filmmakers like Mani Kaul , Sergei Parajanov, Georgiy Daneliya, Aleksandr Sokurov, Dodo Abashidze, Peter Greenaway, Andrei Tarkovsky and Tian Zhuangzhuang.
Imbued with a great mysticism, "Nainsukh" is a gem endowed with a great energy. The definition of epic is elevated, and this will remain as of the best arthouse productions ever made and it will continue to be a contemplative high-voltage experience and a marvel of fascination for the future generation.
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samxxxul20 July 2020
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In this film, a series of Nainsukh's miniature paintings -mostly created during his time as a court painter- are re-created adhering to the tableau vivant style. The paintings are used as templates for the enlivening of the deceptively flat pictures and painterly subjects. The compositions are meticulously curated and attention is given to both architectural and environmental details. The windows and doors of the palace are sometimes used as frames to accommodate the subjects and to organically create the dividing lines between them.
The subjects are given a dynamism that does not derive from their actions or personality but from their form, their movement (or its absence), and their place within the frame. The usage of wide angle shots creates a perfect environment for the subjects to move with surgical precision and to build a relationship with the environment that encloses them. The sound design plays a key role as well in the process of creating an immersive atmosphere and pushing the connection between the viewer and the artist one step further. Throughout the viewing experience, the sound design creates an eerie atmospheric soundscape, a riveting rhythm, and an inextricable link between nature and its living beings. Overall, Dutta's visual language inadvertently leads towards the immortalization of his subject -Nainsukh and his body of work. -
jessie-singh16 August 2020A depiction of royalty in former hill state of Guler (now in Himachal region) in form of paintings by a lineage of period artists. These depictions are recreated rather minimistically (but yet gracefully) for visual understanding of the circumstances behind the paintings in the same / similar location, including ruins of former royal residences and other annexes. Narration and illustrations are in Dogri (which has a Gurmukhi / Punjabi influence). Must mention that the paintings have fairly accurate architectural depictions.
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diramrahmed8 March 2024Wow, just wow! Nainsukh is an absolute gem of a movie that deserves way more recognition. I can't believe it's not getting the hype it truly deserves. This movie is like finding a hidden treasure in a sea of films.
First off, let me just say, Amit Dutta's direction is pure brilliance. He has this unique style that just draws you in from the very beginning. Every frame feels like a work of art in itself. And speaking of art, Mrinal Desai's cinematography is breathtaking! The way he brings the paintings of Nainsukh to life on screen is nothing short of magical.
The story itself is so captivating. It's like taking a journey through the life and art of Nainsukh, and it's done with such care and attention to detail. You really feel like you're stepping into another world when you watch this movie.
But what really sets Nainsukh apart is how it celebrates the beauty of art and the human spirit. It's a reminder of the power of creativity and expression, and it left me feeling inspired and moved.
I truly believe that Nainsukh is a masterpiece that deserves to be rediscovered and celebrated. It's a rare gem that showcases the talent of its director and cinematographer in the most magnificent way possible. Do yourself a favor and watch this film - you won't regret it!