The Myth on green crusade - Film on forest conservation wins rave reviews

Samten Bhutia, Prashant Rasaily, Geetanjali Thapa and Nigel Glenn after the premiere of the film. Picture by Ashit Rai

Gangtok, June 23: If the accolades it has been receiving ever since it was premiered on June 20 are anything to go by, Sikkim?s first trial at making an English feature film is already a big hit.

The Myth ? screened at the Vajra cinema hall here at Baluakhani for only a single show ? has been getting rave reviews in local newspapers.

Many of those who missed out on the premier of the adventure thriller have been demanding that the movie be screened again. Basking in its new-found fame, the producers have decided to screen it again on July 9.

A 24-minute short film, The Myth is based on a legend about the protectors of the forest. Produced and directed by Prashant Rasaily, a disc jockey-cum-documentary filmmaker, it was shot within five days in the forest area surrounding the Khecheopalri lake in west Sikkim and at Legship.

The debutante director, who made his foray into feature film with The Myth, had roped in a crew of eight persons, all locals, for the shoot.

Prior to its screening, during its post-production phase in Calcutta, the movie had won praises from renowned names in the Indian film industry.

Talent was a never a problem with Prashant, but funds were. But hope came with restaurateur Vishal Pradhan?s offer to chip in with some financial assistance. Pradhan is the co producer.

The movie also has Samten Bhutia and K. B. Cashmore, a teacher of Tashi Namgyal Academy, in supporting roles.

The lead roles?a brother-sister duo who protects the wildlife? have been played by Nigel Glenn, a local model, and Geetanjali Thapa.

Prashant who already has a documentary on the Mahakal dance at Rumtek to his credit said the response to The Myth was overwhelming.

?Everyone seemed to have liked it and have told me it is very different. Many who missed out the screening on Monday have been demanding that the film be screened again and we will do so on July 9,? Prashant said. Most of those who have watched the movie have praised the excellent cinematography.

On why the movie was only a 24-minute film, the budding director said that since the movie was his first trial everyone advised him to go for a short film.

Prashant who has two more movies lined up?one in Sikkimese called Karma and a silent film Liaison?is now looking forward to sending The Myth abroad for participation in short film festivals.