Rima Das returns to the world of Village Rockstars with a beautifully lyrical sequel that deepens the themes of resilience, longing, and the quiet strength of rural childhood. In Village Rockstars 2, we reunite with Dhunu as she navigates the cusp of adulthood, her dreams still flickering amid the unrelenting realities of village life. Das once again crafts an immersive, sun-drenched portrait of Assam, where nature is both a sanctuary and a force of reckoning.
Expanding on the original’s concerns – gender, economic hardship, and the defiant pursuit of joy – the film finds new depths in its meditative rhythms and intuitive storytelling. With her signature poetic minimalism, Das captures the unspoken tensions between tradition and aspiration, between rootedness and the desire for flight. An evocative continuation, Village Rockstars 2 cements Das’s place as a singular voice in independent Indian cinema, embracing life’s rough edges with tenderness and unwavering authenticity.
Rima Das
Rima Das is a filmmaker from India known for crafting indigenous and realistic stories that explore complicated relationships, purpose, coming of age, and life amidst nature. She was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscars) in 2024. She is also a brand ambassador for the Toronto International Film Festival’s “Share Her Journey” campaign, aimed at championing gender equality in cinema. GQ India named Rima Das as one of the “Most Influential Young Indians of 2018.” Her films Village Rockstars (2017), Bulbul Can Sing (2018), and Tora’s Husband (2022) all premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and collectively screened at over 150 prestigious film festivals around the world, winning over 75 awards. Village Rockstars also received the 2018 National Film Award for the Best Feature Film in India, and was India’s Official Entry to the Academy Awards in 2019.
