Nimtoh (The Invitation)
Plot Summary
In a remote mountain village of Darjeeling, ten years old Tashi and his old grandma live next to a family who helps them to fend their livelihood. Their job is to look after the cardamom orchard at night from the wild animals. The little boy shares a close relationship with the landlady to the extent of sneaking to their secret hideouts in the Cardamom orchard for her to smoke cigarette. At the same time is scared of her husband, as he’s somewhat cold towards Tashi. An approaching wedding event at their patron’s house finds Tashi excited and restless. The grandmother discourages Tashi of any hope of being invited, as they are merely workers. Will they be invited?
Cast & Crew
Writer & Director:
Saurav Rai
Cast:
Pravesh Gurung – Tashi
Sunil Rai – Landlord-Kaka
Chandra Dewan – Boju-Grandma
Kamala Lepcha – Kaki- Landlord’s Wife
Teresa Rai – Bride
Dig Bijay Singh Rai – Shopkeeper
Cinematography by:
Appu Prabhaka
Film Editing by:
Jishnu Sen
Sound Recording & Design by:
Ankita Purkayasth
Re-Recording Engineer:
Sudeepta Sadhukhan
Background Music & Song Composer:
Lokesh Kanithi
Festivals
HAF GOES TO CANNES (WIP Projects): Official Selection, 2019
MAMI, 2019: Won Grand Jury Award for Screenwriting in India Gold Section
50th IFFR, 2020: World Premiered in Bright Future Selection
Trailer
Critic Reviews
Darjrrling-set film ‘Nimtoh’ celebrates the extraordinary in an ordinary boy’s life.
– The Scroll
The mysterious antagonism between a boy and a wealthy landowner in Darjeeling is explored in Saurav Rai’s first feature.
– Hollywood Reporter
Saurav Rai’s debut feature is a compelling neorealist hybrid.
– POV Magazine
Nimtoh queitly reveals the dark undercurrents of rural India.
– Sarah Nafisa Shahid