Nainsukh: The Great Indian Painter

Amit Dutta is one of the few new filmmakers carrying on the legacy of the Indian parallel cinema movement of the sixties. With breathtaking visuals and free narrative storytelling, Amit has taken Indian experimental, independent cinema to another level.

Nainsukh, one of the greatest painters in Indian history, was born in the early eighteenth century in the Himalayan state of Guler. Nainsukh was born into a family of prolific painters who were skilled in a particular genre of painting called 'Pahari'. Pahari is a technique of miniature painting through which painters depict the Hindu deities Radha and Krishna. Abandoning the traditional style, the eccentric Nainsukh gave a different twist to the Pahari painting in his style.

The story begins when Nainsukh leaves the house for Jasrota and In a short time, Nainsukh's extraordinary paintings caught the attention of Raja Balwant and become his favorite. With his magical touch, Amit brings alive the long-forgotten paintings of Raja Balwant Singh and his life in the Jasrota Palace,

Nainsukh has endlessly painted Raja Balwant, sometimes Raja in the guise of a hunter, sometimes in a music room or a dance hall, the moments come alive perfectly with Nainsukh's masterful brushstrokes, while Amit's camera captures the staging of a long-forgotten history.
Most of the scenes used in the film are exact stagings of Nainsukh's paintings.

When misfortune strikes in the life of King Balwant and the destitute king wander the streets, fallen sick and lying on his deathbed, Nainsukh continues to draw the king with utmost compassion until the end.

Nainsukh was one of the best films from the last decade. It introduced me to the New Indian cinema. And finally, I have to admit that Amit Dutta is a blessing in the world of contemporary Indian arthouse cinema.

(Nainsukh" is now available here and it is free of charge)
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NAINSUKH

Directed by Amit Dutta

India, Switzerland, 2010