The Killing

A lively, idiosyncratic and versatile film in which the catchy sides of Indian cinema, including song and dance, are mixed with darker and even philosophical aspects. The story is both complex and entertaining. The start takes place at a temple in the village of Rampur. Pagla works at the temple as a jack of all trades, but he doesn’t seem to have everything under control. One day, the virgin Bhagwati is brought to the temple; she is offered by a villager whose wife committed suicide. Before her death, the villager’s wife cursed a goddess, so in fear of the goddess’s revenge, a virgin must be sacrificed. The rather backward Pagla is a skilled drummer. His drumming has a strange effect on Bhagwati: she enters a trance, a god seems to take possession of her and she acquires divine gifts. She can make wishes come true. The villagers panic, because they fear the wrath of the gods now more than ever. Pagla and Bhagwati move to the city, where their gifts are exploited by shady characters. They move into an unfinished apartment and serve an increasing stream of customers. The story has several surprises in store and finally a great plot twist. The film is full of lively and humorous episodes, and Pagla’s drumming is an excuse for many musical dance scenes. The director was an acrobatic film actor himself, and his experience can clearly be seen in the film. (GjZ)