A Tree Without Roots (2001) [N/A]
Featuring:
Raisul Islam Asad, Munira Yusuf Memy, Chandni
Written by:
Shahjahan Chowdhury
Tanvir Mokammel
Syed Waliullah
Directed by:
Tanvir Mokammel
Release Date:
January 1, 2001
Original Title:
লালসালু
Alternate Titles:
Lalsalu
Genres:
Comedy | Drama
Production Companies:
Kino-Eye Films
Maasranga Production Limited
Production Countries:
Bangladesh
Ratings / Certifications:
N/A
Runtime: 110
In this tragic-comic study of religious hypocrisy, a disreputable cleric convinces villagers that their community is home to a famous holyman's grave.
In a remote agrarian village, suddenly a haggard-looking Mullah named Majid appears. He cleans up an old dilapidated grave and declares it as the shrine of a famous 'Pir' (a holy man). He begins to take care of the shrine and worship it. The villagers, of course, have no clue who the holy man was, and though it is a hoax, gradually give in and begin to believe in the myth.The mystery of the grave, the iconic red fabric covering its oval shaped structure, the glowing candles and the Quran verses that Majid recites beside the grave, create such an aura in the ambiance that the villagers, mostly simple peasants, completely succumb to Majid's spell. They start to bring rice and money as offerings to the 'holy shrine'. The shrine, over the years, provides Majid not only economic solvency but psychological domination over the community as well. From a vagabond desperado, he becomes a man well rooted in society. He marries Rahima, a not-so-young but hard working peasant woman who though robustly built, remains a docile wife. But as Majid's wealth and power increase he feels the need of a younger wife. He marries Jamila, a teenage girl who has no fear either for the grave or for Majid himself. Majid helplessly remains infatuated to his young wife and gradually loses his composure and the myth about the 'holy' grave becomes threatened. Jamila, inadvertently, becomes the nemesis for Majid. And Mother Nature, in the form of a deluge, finally strikes as Majid oversteps the boundary of humanity.
