Review by Dr. Asangba Tzudir
Set at the backdrop of corruption and the need for Clean Election in Nagaland, this 140 minute film directed by Tiakumzuk Aier is about the need for change. The film has rightly portrayed NANA’s family centering on their young daughter ‘NANA’ – the protagonist who carries the dreams, hopes and happiness. Her character is an apt reflection of the many dreams, hopes, and the realization of which will culminate in happiness within the longing for a better Nagaland.
I leave aside the technicalities like the sound, music, editing, videography etc., but in the context of the film, there are some scenes worth highlighting for the ethical and moral lessons it offers. The voting scene which portrays a man standing to uphold his moral principles so also the father who was harassed at gunpoint for endorsing clean election and clean leader is a moral lesson for all for the reason that the real test of character comes not just through the word of mouth but through resoluteness in ones principle and integrity during testing times. Election 2018 will also be a test for those perpetuating clean election through the word of mouth. In another scene, the ‘good doctor’ writing off the medical bill in his name also reverberates with the condition of health care delivery particularly in the rural areas and the high costs of medical treatment especially for the poor. The doctor through his good deed shows that doctors can act as ethical and moral keepers in their profession. The ‘mad man’ may lend as a character in a typical village setting but it reminds of our society enmeshed in a kind of ‘madness syndrome’ and the need for a mad man to teach the ‘maddened people.’ In life, the saddest part is doing something bad even out of force without giving thought to the consequences only to regret later. This film teaches us the consequences of wrongful acts and the importance of thinking before acting upon a certain action. Ultimately, all things – good and bad will be revealed. Most importantly, teacher Grace’s ability to forgive the ‘unforgivable’ is also a timely reminder to give love and forgiveness for a society that finds fragmented on various sinister lines. These are traits to initiate a process of healing.
The film may be seen as one reverberating on the tones of the need for clean election in Nagaland and like the echo of Nana and her father, if nothing is done about the many depressing concerns, it will only fade away like the echo. But on the whole, this film should be lauded for giving the viewers the central message that, if change is to happen, it should begin from the family, that, a family lies at the heart of imbibing and also rebuilding moral values. It is a paramount need especially for a society swallowed by corruption.
As rightly narrated, almost all the families have a ‘NANA’ at home. We need to take care of ‘NANA’ if we want change for a better Nagaland. Consequently, if we also want clean election to work, we need to work through the heart of ‘NANA’ in generating a clean heart.
The rural setting; the slow unfolding of the real character of Nana’s father; the various elements of violence, friendship, romance; the comical presence of ‘Rev. Patrix,’ and a bit overboard ‘dramatic’ ending are traits that will keep viewers both emotionally engaged as well as entertained. Well, it is truly a tale of ‘us.’
