Bhopal, June 7 (Agency) The oft-quoted phrase ‘supreme sacrifice in the line of duty’ is generally associated with those in uniform but, just as bravehearts fall fighting during epic battles, there are instances of similar sterling civilians – one glowing example being Sister Rani Maria Vattalil who aided the downtrodden in Madhya Pradesh and was beatified by the Pope after her death caused by more than three-dozen stab injuries. The story of the religious and social worker in the Franciscan Clarist Congregation comes alive in ‘Sr Rani Maria: a Story of Forgiveness’ – a 42-minute-long film directed by Father Selvin who was assisted by Femim Jacob. Their creation premiered recently at the Atmadarshan Foundation, Indore.
Goa International Film Competition awards went to Editor Nitheesh K Das and Jacob. Towards the commencement of the movie; the 41-year-old nun’s February 25, 1995 murder scene begins on board a bus but the heinous act itself is depicted at that juncture only by a figurative drop of blood. Earlier, Maria – played by Ami Neema – informs her mother over phone that she is leaving for home on that day… A flashback takes us to 1992 when Maria is welcomed and introduces herself to another sister as “basically from Kerala” and reveals that her family was against her assuming the nun’s habit but her paternal grandmother made them change their minds. Maria’s steely resolve is revealed by a passing reference to a fearsome jailbird whom she reformed in Bijnor. A sense of benignity on Ami’s countenance dovetails with the role.
The sister’s caring nature is revealed when she helps farmwoman Kallo (Shalinee Singh) by carrying her pitcher and later teaches rural ladies the importance of savings. They decide to form a group and disburse low-interest credit to the needy. Kallo’s hubby Raghu (Antim Markandey) approaches Dadda (Mangesh Bhagwat) for money so as to purchase seed and fertilizer. The all-too-familiar vicious cycle of oppression is portrayed when the hapless illiterate is told to place his thumb impression on paper before a wily bookkeeper. Later, when careworn Raghu reaches his humble dwelling, Kallo tells him of Sr Maria. After some coaxing, worried Kallo confides in Maria regarding the paucity of funds, adding, “If the money is not returned, our land is taken away.” “There is absolutely no water in the village and the ground is stony so it is hard to dig a well,” Raghu laments.