The Rite, a Passion

A quiet, heavy watch that lingers on shame and duty, leaving a slow ache of grief and estrangement.

Directed by

K.N.T. Sastry

Genres

Drama

Starring

Jaya Sheela, Brahmaji, Tanikella Bharani

Overview

A subtle interplay between clashing ideologies: that of traditional religious values versus modern youth drawn towards extremism. Events overtake Subbaiah Sastry, a highly respected vedic and scholar in his prime now scraping out a meagre existence as a corpse carrier. He endures the contempt of his Hyderabad neighbours due to his acceptance of Tiladaanam, a lowly Brahammic rite involving the acceptance of the sins of the dead in exchange for coins and the food of the deceased. His son, Raghuram, has become a terrorist hunted by the police, at odds with his father. A stark contrast is provided between an outdated system and as yet undefined future. - Melbourne International Film Festival

How it feels

Melancholic, bleak, tense and earnest. Slow-burning and demanding.

About

Faith, family, isolation, trauma

Content

Mild violence and language. No gore or sexual content.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

Your rating is saved. See your suggestions, or find titles like this one below.

Rate it, and Mesmero finds titles that feel like it. You do not need an account.

Search YouTube for a trailer (opens in a new tab)