In The Name of Fire
Abhilash Sharma
India. 2024. 99 min
In a remote village, Rukhiya and Phekan, both from the marginalized Dalit community, endure hardships due to their caste identity. With no work available in the village due to the ongoing temple renovation, Phekan ventures into the city in search of employment. However, he is betrayed, left unpaid, and subjected to exploitation and false accusations.
Meanwhile, Rukhiya remains in their desolate home, haunted not only by the villagers’ judgment but also by the fear that she’s being branded a witch, as whispers and rumours spread around her.
Nehura, a guilt-ridden cremator, grapples with his inner conflict between right and wrong, seeking redemption for past wrongs.
Amid the turmoil, a mysterious cry from an infant shatters the silence, leading to a divine revelation when the lives of these characters intersect in unexpected ways.
ABHILASH SHARMA
Abhilash, a self-taught filmmaker from Bihar, India, crafts thought-provoking cinema with a keen focus on women’s narratives set against the socio-political landscape. His artistic journey began in Delhi’s theater scene, where he directed impactful plays, including “Silence! The Court is in Session” by Vijay Tendulkar, exploring themes of justice and societal norms.
In 2010, he ventured into filmmaking with the short film “Without Ticket Passenger”, which poignantly captured the struggles of Bihar’s aimless youth and their fading aspirations. Two years later, his debut feature, “Thread of Love”, reimagined the mythological tale of Savitri and Satyavan, aiming to empower women through its modern retelling.
After a decade-long hiatus, Abhilash returned with “Swaha (In the Name of Fire)” a testament to his enduring dedication to cinematic storytelling. With deep roots in literature and theater, his work continues to evolve into a profound exploration of the human condition, weaving narratives that resonate with emotional depth and cultural relevance.
DIRECTOR´S NOTE
The inspiration for “Swaha” ignited while watching Alan Becker’s animation, “Animator vs. Animation.” This contemplation of the potential clash between creator and creation gradually evolved into the narrative of a struggling mother and child. “Swaha” examines the presence of fundamentalist elements in our society, exploring how religion intertwines with individual lives rather than offering a universally concrete vision.
Set against the backdrop of Bihar, “Swaha” captures the region’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary challenges. The film delves into broader themes of poverty, caste discrimination, and the quest for dignity. My personal association with Buddhist ideas significantly shaped the narrative, allowing for a deeper exploration of suffering, compassion, and the path to enlightenment.
I chose a stark black-and-white visual style to reflect the harsh realities faced by the characters. The narrative structure weaves together moments of hope and despair, mirroring the protagonist’s tumultuous journey. Through sound design, I aimed to create a psychological space where pain often masquerades as fear, adding depth to the emotional landscape.
Creating “Swaha” has been a transformative journey, deepening my understanding of resilience and hope. This film stands as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and transcend, marking a significant milestone in my career as a filmmaker.
REVIEWS
AWARDS
- Golden Goblet Award for Best Director, Shanghai International Film Festival
- Best Actor, Shanghai International Film Festival
- Honourable Mention for Best Direction – Dhaka International Film Festival
- Third Best Indian Film – Bengaluru International Film Festival
- Best Director – Greenflash International Film Festival
- Best Narrative Feature & Best Actress – SR Socially Relevant Film Festival, New York
- Best Feature Film – Kodaikanal International Film Festival
POSTER
CONTACT
abhilash@prajnafilms.in
imagineindiafestival.com 
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