Assistant Professor, English and Literary Studies, Brainware University.
[Article History: Received: 29 Feb 2024. Revised: 05 Mar 2024. Accepted: 15 Mar 2024. Published: 18 Mar 2024]
Abstract
Native or the urban legends are often found to be under a garb of mysticism. From the legends to the lullabies, a certain level of eerie atmos is much sought for in these inferences. Bhaskar Hazarika’s 2015 film Kothanodi (The River of Fables) handpicks a collection of grandma tales intended to rejuvenate the lost stories of Assamese legends and folklore. The four intertwined narratives successfully transfer us to a world of mystery and cynicism. Infused with supernatural elements, these stories try to inculcate a sense of morality within the audiences. In a society dominated by evil forces, four distinct women from different walks of life are seen battling their own demons. A sense of unrestrained trepidation envelops the entire screenplay in a society that has been ruptured by the demons of their inner self.
Inspired by the tales of Burhi Aair Sadhu (Grandma’s Tales), a popular compendium of folk stories by Lakshminath Bezbaroa, Kothanodi brings out the traditional indigenous folktales of Assam. This paper intends to shed light upon the layers of induced meaning behind each of the stories told. The gothic and the supernatural intervention and their importance in a compelling storytelling process are to be focused on. The presence of ecology and superstations in the folk tales is distinctly observed here. Finally, the precedence of good over evil forces comes out as the moralistic preaching of this project.
Keywords: Gothic mysticism, supernatural apparitions, morality, eco-horror, cynic trepidation