Seven years after Village Rockstars (2017), filmmaker Rima Das returns to Kalardiya with Village Rockstars 2, continuing Dhunu’s (Bhanita Das) story as she faces the challenges of adulthood in her small Assamese village. Once a dreamer with ambitions of rock stardom, 17-year-old Dhunu now faces economic hardships, family responsibilities, and the weight of her mother’s declining health.

Through a mix of fiction and documentary-style realism, Das crafts a meditative, visually rich film that explores identity, strength, and the transition from innocence to maturity. The cinematography captures Assam’s stunning yet unforgiving landscapes, while the film’s slow pacing and thoughtful editing immerse viewers in Dhunu’s quiet struggles.

After the Berlinale, we managed to interview Rima Das. In our conversation, the director shares what inspired her to revisit Dhunu’s world, how her filmmaking evolved over the years, and the emotional depth behind this poignant continuation.

View of the Arts: What inspired you to revisit Dhunu’s story seven years after Village Rockstars? How did her journey influence the direction of the sequel?

Rima: The final scene of Village Rockstars has always stayed with me. Dhunu standing in a field at sunset, receiving her first real guitar from her mother. The moment was magical. Even without formal training, she instinctively played, creating a beautiful sound. It made me realize that raw talent can blossom into art.The idea of exploring Dhunu’s future lingered in my mind. In 2020, I started working on ‘Village Rockstars 2,’ and over the last 4 years of making, a simple thought grew into something more intricate and layered, as my films often do.

VOA: Your films are known for their observational and authentic storytelling. How do you approach maintaining this realism while crafting a narrative?

Rima: I mostly follow my intuition while shooting, which comes from a deep and strong connection with my characters and stories. Even when they stem from imagination, my emotional bond with them and my belief in their reality help bring authenticity to my films. This connection naturally shapes the narrative.

VOA: What challenges did you face in capturing the changing landscape of Kalardiya and the impact of climate change on the community?

Rima: Capturing the changing landscape of Kalardiya and the impact of climate change was both an emotional and logistical challenge. The place that once felt so familiar had transformed and the rhythms of life had been disrupted. Visually, it was heartbreaking to see the contrast between what I remembered and what remained. 

Beyond just documenting these shifts, I wanted to convey the emotional weight they carried – the resilience of the people, their deep connection to the land, and the silent grief of losing what was once theirs. I hope the film makes people reflect on the urgency of these changes and the need for mindfulness toward nature.

VOA: In Village Rockstars 2, Dhunu navigates the transition from childhood to adulthood. How did you portray her evolving perspective while maintaining her core character?

Rima: Dhunu’s evolving perspective is reflected in how she sees her surroundings. As a child, she viewed the world with wide-eyed wonder, but as she grew, she started to notice its complexities -the struggles of her mother, the harsh realities of survival, and the weight of unfulfilled dreams. However, she doesn’t lose her inner fire. Instead, she learns to adapt, finding strength in her connection with nature and music. By using an intimate, observational style and staying close to Dhunu’s emotions, I aimed to make her growth feel natural – where she matures, but her core spirit remains untouched.

VOA: You worked as the cinematographer, producer, editor, and production designer for this film. How did wearing multiple hats influence your storytelling process?

Rima: Taking on multiple roles gave me a deeply immersive and intuitive approach, ensuring emotional and visual continuity. It helped shape the film’s rhythm, keeping Dhunu’s journey organic and authentic. While challenging, it allowed me the freedom to make instinctive, real-time decisions, keeping the storytelling raw, personal, and true to my vision.

VOA: The film touches on the struggles of land exploitation and environmental change. What message do you hope to convey about these issues through Dhunu’s experiences?

Rima: The decisions of adults can deeply impact young people and children, forcing them to adapt to changes beyond their control or imagination. These changes affect not only nature but also the lives and dreams of many—Dhunu is one of them.

VOA: Your use of non-professional actors, including members of your own family, adds a unique authenticity. How did this dynamic impact the filming process?

Rima: Working with family and non-actors makes filming more natural and flexible, allowing me to take risks and shoot for longer. Village Rockstars 2 took four years, but knowing them well also has its downsides. Sometimes, they become too comfortable, taking me for granted, which makes the process feel less exciting. While familiarity helps, it can also lead to a loss of energy and enthusiasm over time.

VOA: The narrative remains grounded in the present rather than focusing on Dhunu’s dreams beyond her village. What motivated this storytelling choice?

Rima: Her world is shaped by the here and now – her relationship with her mother, the changing landscape, and the everyday struggles and joys of village life. Many young people like Dhunu don’t always have the privilege to dream beyond their immediate circumstances. Instead, they navigate life step by step, adapting and finding meaning in what surrounds them. By staying true to her world, I hoped to capture the quiet resilience and beauty in her journey.

VOA: Music and sound play a subtle yet powerful role in your films. How did you approach the sound design and score for Village Rockstars 2 to enhance the emotional depth of the story?

Rima: The sound design and music combined natural village sounds and songs with moments of silence, creating a balance that reflected both the story and Dhunu’s inner world. I had to be mindful of maintaining realism while also capturing the depth of her emotions to serve the film’s narrative.

VOA: How did returning to Dhunu’s story after several years affect your own perspective as a filmmaker? Did your vision for the sequel change over time?

Rima: I was more aware of my choices and made conscious decisions as a filmmaker. While I wanted to preserve the purity of Village Rockstars, I also aimed for something different in the sequel. This led me to approach the editing differently and shoot more closely with the characters, whereas the first film had a more observational style. Since the film took four years to make, it naturally evolved over time, becoming more layered and nuanced.

VOA: Village Rockstars 2 beautifully captures the balance between joy and hardship in Dhunu’s life. How did you bring this emotional complexity while maintaining a sense of hope?

Rima: Life in the village isn’t just about hardship; it’s also filled with resilience, laughter, and a deep connection to nature. I focused on the small details – Dhunu’s quiet strength, her bond with her mother, and her ability to find joy in simple moments. My goal was to show that hope isn’t about escaping struggles but discovering meaning and beauty within them.

VOA: What do you hope international audiences take away from Village Rockstars 2, particularly regarding the cultural and environmental realities faced by the people of Assam?

Rima: While the story is deeply rooted in Assam, its themes of survival, dreams, and adaptation are universal. No matter where we come from, our joys and struggles connect us. Even the smallest contributions can bring us together, giving life a deeper meaning and a shared sense of belonging.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Featured image courtesy of IND, SGP 2024, Generation

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to film, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. While we already offer rich content to our readers, we aim to expand our reach and grow alongside our audience by exploring Asian music in greater depth. At the same time, we remain committed to present the vibrant and ever-evolving global landscape of film, music, and the arts, celebrating the immense talent and creativity that shape these industries worldwide.}