Onaatah

Onaatah: Of the Earth is an engrossing 2016 Khasi language social drama film, which marks the directorial debut of Pradip Kurbah. The film starred Merlvin Mukhim and Sweety Pala in lead roles. Excellent cinematography coupled with compelling storytelling, vibrant Khasi culture, and scenic beauty of the North-East India, the film brings to life the story of its eponymous protagonist 'Onaatah,' played by Sweety Pala.

The film explores the protagonist's journey of self-acceptance and redemption against the backdrop of a socially relevant issue that is prevalent yet widely unspoken across not just India, but the world. Onaatah, a young and vibrant woman, becomes a victim of a brutal incident which completely shatters her life and she finds herself lost, disconnected, and at odds with her own identity. Stripped away of every vestige of self-esteem and dignity, she suffers enormously from the trauma while striving to gather the scattered bits and pieces of her existence.

As Onaatah goes through this harrowing experience, she is ostracized and misunderstood by society, which further fuels her grief and isolation. The dark abyss of depression seems to be her constant companion, until she embarks on a journey to her father's rural homeland. Merlvin Mukhim plays the role of a key figure who acts as a catalyst in this journey, offering a ray of hope in Onaatah's desolate landscape.

The rural setting brings in a rush of fresh air into Onaatah's stifling existence, offering her a new perspective on life and herself. Through her interactions with the simple, grounded, and open-hearted rural folk, she begins to experience the healing power of unconditional love, empathy, and compassion.

The film's strength lies not just in its careful handling of a sensitive issue but also in its portrayal of the stark contrast between the urban and rural settings. While city life is shown to be judgmental, ostracizing, and ignorant of her trauma, the rural world is accepting and empathetic. Onaatah's journey from shame and despair to healing and hope serves as the beating heart of the film, making it an emotional as well as a thought-provoking ride.

Director Pradip Kurbah does an exceptional job in taking us through the hard-hitting realities of this impactful narrative. The director's gentle handling of a sensitive subject depicts the story in a compassionate and respectful manner that strikes a chord with the audience. Onaatah's journey becomes a touching tale of hope that showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of kindness and understanding.

The performances by the lead actors, Sweety Pala and Merlvin Mukhim, as well as the supporting cast, are commendable. They beautifully bring out the authenticity and rawness needed for their roles. The visual narrative combined with gripping performances makes the movie a cinematically rich and engaging experience for the viewers.

Furthermore, the film celebrates the rich Khasi culture, its traditions, and way of life, adding an extra layer of charm to the storytelling. The simplicity of rural life, traditional Khasi music, folklore, and picturesque landscape painted vividly on the screen lets you momentarily escape into a different world.

Ultimately, Onaatah is not just a film about a woman's traumatic experience, but it is also a poignant commentary on society's treatment of victims of brutal crimes. It's a tale of resilience, redemption, and courage of a woman who emerges stronger from her personal tragedy. The movie conveys a powerful message about empathy and understanding for those who have suffered. Onaatah is indeed a much-needed film that shines light on a crucial social issue while weaving a beautifully told story around its protagonist's journey to healing and self-discovery.