The Rite, a Passion

(2002)

★ 7.3 IMDb · 3 votes

Genres: Drama

Year: 2002

Runtime: 89 мин

Country: India

Director: K.N.T. Sastry

Cast: Jaya Sheela, Brahmaji, Tanikella Bharani, Prasad Babu, Annapoorna, Amanchi Venkata Subrahmanyam, Athili Lakshmi, H. G. Dattatreya

Plot

A subtle interplay between clashing ideologies: that of traditional religious values versus modern youth drawn towards extremism. Events overtake Subbaiah Sastry, a highly respected vedic and scholar in his prime now scraping out a meagre existence as a corpse carrier. He endures the contempt of his Hyderabad neighbours due to his acceptance of Tiladaanam, a lowly Brahammic rite involving the acceptance of the sins of the dead in exchange for coins and the food of the deceased. His son, Raghuram, has become a terrorist hunted by the police, at odds with his father. A stark contrast is provided between an outdated system and as yet undefined future. - Melbourne International Film Festival