¨Traces of Sandalwood¨ is a sensitive and warm film about two attractive sisters from remote countries . Despite her fame and fortune, Mina (Nandita Das) , a successful Indian actress in Mumbai , can't forget her little sister Sita, from whom she was forced to separate after their mother's death in a village. Thirty years later she will finally find out that Sita is alive and well in Barcelona. However, Sita's adoptive parents have erased all traces of her past. She is now called Paula (Aina Clotet) , works as a researcher in Biology and has no recollection of her Indian background, let alone of Mina . Faced with the shocking truths of her past and aided along the way by her budding romance with the handsome Indian immigrant Prakash (Naby Dakhli) she undertakes a far journey . A story of hope and love across Mumbai and Barcelona; from India to the Mediterranean and all the way back. Pain is universal. But so is hope.
Simple as well as moving film about an enjoyable relationship , including comedy , drama , emotion , sensitivity , spectacular Indian dances , a nice group of actors who worked extremely well together , along with colorful cinematography by Raquel Fernandez , stirring musical score from Zeltia Montes and Simon Smith , being compellingly directed by Maria Ripoll . Heartfelt tale dealing with Paula who begins a long journey of self-discovery , including a very well written plot both sad and funny. It is a dramedy (drama and comedy) concerning sensitive relationships , good feeling , emotion and touching scenes , including awesome interpretations with outcast roles were pretty well developed . Well-acted movie, photography is brilliant and full of metaphorical images for those of you who enjoy artsy movies and well worth watching. As the brooding plot becomes extremely affecting , containing a thoughtful message , remembering the true meaning of our existence and the things that actually matter in the troublesome life . I had a great time watching this movie , with many laughs and some tears. Resulting to be a stirring and charming tale of hope and love across Mumbai and Barcelona ; from India to the Mediterranean and all the way back .Furthermore , the picture gives an interesting point of sight of different cultures. The skills of the actors are very fine and professional. This movie represents very well issues from different life stages, and teaches the importance of family and dedicating time to work on fixing relationships . Here stands out the loving relationship between the two siblings as well the moving romance between Paula and her Indian boyfriend , with full of sensibility and attractiveness . Nevertheless , the film results to be sometimes slow-moving , at times .
Here stands out the luxurious cinematography shot on location in Bombay, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, La Pedrera, Parc Güell, Hotel Arts, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain . The motion picture was professionally directed by Maria Ripoll . Maria Ripoll was born in 1964 in Barcelona, Catalonia , Spain and considered to be one of the best Spanish female filmmakers . She is an expert director and assistant director , being especially known for the successful "Your Life in 65" (2006) , ¨Tortilla Soup¨ (2001) , ¨Lluvia En Zapatos¨ or ¨The Man with Rain in His Shoes¨ (1998) and ¨Rastres de Sàndal¨ (2014). Maria has directed known international stars , such as : Penélope Cruz , Lena Headey , Héctor Helizondo , Leonardo Sbaraglia , Tchéky Karyo , Jacqueline Obradors , Elizabeth Peña , Douglas Henshall , Mark Strong , among others . She also made a thriller that failed at box office titled ¨Utopia¨ with Najwa Nimri , José Garcia , Emma Vilarasau and Fele Martínez . And this ¨Vivir dos veces¨ (2019) that has got several nominations and prizes , such as : Cinema Writers Circle Awards, Spain 2015 Winner CEC Award Best Adapted Screenplay Anna Soler-Pont , Gaudí Awards 2015 Winner Best Film in Catalan Language Maria Ripoll , Anna Soler-Pont , Pontas Films Televisió de Catalunya (TV3) , Televisión Española (TVE) , Nominee Gaudí Award Best Female Lead : Aina Clotet , Best Production Manager : Josep Amorós , Best Art Direction : Anna Pujol Tauler , Best Supporting Actress : Rosa Novell , Best Original Score : Zeltia Montes , Simon Smith , Best Costume Design : Anna Güell , Best Make-Up and Hairstyles Concha Rodríguez , Goya Awards 2015 Nominee Goya Best Adapted Screenplay : Anna Soler-Pont , Montréal World Film Festival 2014 Winner Most Popular Film of the Festival Maria Ripoll.
