Private Project

In the Name of Fire

Living in a remote village in northern India a family with a newborn son live in poverty, and on the edge of survival. The father, a hard working day laborer, leaves their home to search for work while his wife, facing post partum depression, is unable to feed her baby. While her husband faces a difficult journey fraught with peril, the wife faces her own demons, isolated, and without a way to communicate with her husband. Individually, they face stark reality, alone. What is initially a typical scenario for millions of people of low caste in India, turns quickly, and spirals into disaster.

  • Abhilash Sharma
    Director
    Achal Rahe Suhaag
  • Abhilash Sharma
    Writer
    Achal Rahe Suhaag
  • Vikash Sharma
    Producer
  • Chandra Shekhar Dutta
    Key Cast
    "Nehura"
    Mujib: The Making of Nation
  • Satya Ranjan
    Key Cast
    "Phekan"
    The Jengaburu Curse
  • Sonalli Sharmisstha
    Key Cast
    "Rukhiya"
    The Face of the Faceless
  • Devendra Golatkar
    Cinematographer
    Nagrik
  • Suresh Pai
    Editor
    RK/RKAY
  • Mohandas V.P
    Sound
    CzechMate: In Search of Jirí Menzel
  • Nilesh Goraksche
    Art Director
    Redu
  • Devarshi Varma
    Music
    Achal Rahe Suhaag
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    स्वाहा
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    Drama, Horror
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 38 minutes 47 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 30, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    265,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Bhojpuri
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.85:1
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Shanghai International Film Festival
    Shanghai
    China
    June 18, 2024
    World Premiere
    Won Golden Goblet Award for Best Director and Best Actor in Asian Talent Category
Director Biography - Abhilash Sharma

Abhilash, a self-taught filmmaker from Bihar, India, delves into thought-provoking cinema, particularly focusing on women's narratives within the socio-political landscape. His 2012 debut, "Achal Rahe Suhaag," a captivating Bhojpuri film, aimed to empower women through the retelling of the mythological tale of Savitri and Satyawan. Now, twelve years later, "Swaha" stands as his second feature, showcasing his enduring dedication. With artistic roots in literature and theater, Abhilash's journey has evolved into a profound cinematic odyssey.

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Director Statement

The inspiration for "Swaha" ignited while watching Alan Becker's animation, "Animator vs. Animation." This contemplation of the potential clash between creator and creation gradually evolved into the narrative of a struggling mother and child. "Swaha" examines the presence of fundamentalist elements in our society, exploring how religion intertwines with individual lives rather than offering a universally concrete vision.

Set against the backdrop of Bihar, "Swaha" captures the region's rich cultural heritage and contemporary challenges. The film delves into broader themes of poverty, caste discrimination, and the quest for dignity. My personal association with Buddhist ideas significantly shaped the narrative, allowing for a deeper exploration of suffering, compassion, and the path to enlightenment.

I chose a stark black-and-white visual style to reflect the harsh realities faced by the characters. The narrative structure weaves together moments of hope and despair, mirroring the protagonist's tumultuous journey. Through sound design, I aimed to create a psychological space where pain often masquerades as fear, adding depth to the emotional landscape.

Creating "Swaha" has been a transformative journey, deepening my understanding of resilience and hope. This film stands as a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and transcend, marking a significant milestone in my career as a filmmaker.