NIKHIL GURUNG
Mr. Ajay Tiwari
nikhil_g@nid.edu
This film reimagines the Assamese folktale of Tejimola, blending domestic realism with the surreal fluidness of memory. Set in a riverside village, the story follows Tejimola as she navigates a fragile existence under her stepmother’s care while her father is away. Her days are a contrast of sensory peace blooming flowers and the Brahmaputra wind and the haunting shadows of the nights. As the narrative unfolds, Tejimola is plagued by visions of the trauma she endured under the heavy dheki, blurring the lines between past agony and present reality. Caught in a cycle of fear and comfort, she struggles to maintain her sense of self. Upon her father’s return, a devastating truth is revealed, leading to a final, bittersweet goodbye amidst the landscape. By focusing on transformation and the psychological weight of guilt, the film preserves the emotional heart of the traditional tale while exploring the haunting nature of loss.