The Fable

The Fable has a peculiar charm. Maybe it's the Uttarakhand mountains where it was shot. Maybe it's the 16 mm grainy effect that also gives it a cosy and tantalizing effect. I almost felt like I was in the film because that is the quality of production The Fable delivers, with a plot so arresting that you're bound to be involved. The head of a family of four experiences mysterious breaks of fire at his orchard that he suspects to be arson and so begins his quest to find out who it could be. I have watched 9 films so far at the ongoing MAMI Mumbai Film Festival and none of them has floored me like The Fable did. The attention to detail and the score are terrific, not to mention the now famous single-shot opening sequence. It was jaw-dropping and I loved it.

(Watched at the revised version's world premiere at the 2024 MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.)

Overview: A charming independent movie which displays some amazing acting but lacks any real punch. The director focusses too much on the themes of magical realism without actually linking all the different plot points. Also, the realism and magical don't gel in a natural way and it feels almost as if two movies are going on simultaneously.

Shooting the entire movie on film though was a real winner for Reddy and his team as it really added to the rustic nature of the movie and the believability of it being set in 1989.

Plot: The story centers around a family of orchard owners nestled in the Himalayas. Mysteriously, different orchards on the property are being intentionally burned. The suspects include workers on the plantation and a mysterious group of travelling wanderers.

There are elements of the supernatural that attempts to tie the plot points all together. Overall, it was a little convoluted and I felt that the story would have been better served with very clear objectives.

Acting: This is where the film really shines, Manoj Bajpayee gives a masterful performance as Dev and really carries the production on his shoulders. The supporting cast is equally impressive.

Music: Added to what was going on on-screen - quite mystical.

Conclusion: Raam Reddy clearly shows the talent and vision he has, but this movie was a bit too meandering for my liking. 6/10.

THE FABLE....is an enriching experience in itself for all the students and admirers of cinema. It's a well fabricated work of story,direction, acting, sound ,camera,lights.

A story flowing from a normal looking prevailing situation ,culminating into a spiritual awakening. The story and direction keeps you engrossed, camera sound and lights takes you to that era, actors justifies their being... .... Dev as searcher,Nandani as provider, Mohan as moderator,Vanya as soul,Juju as freshness.

You will leave the theaters with some thoughts in your minds and smile on your face...." woh log kahan chale gaye "....

A beautiful movie which takes you to 80's era and makes you feel so nostalgic about your grandma's stories .. and make you feel that it has come alive .. The Vfx is actually like you'll see something in your imagination while listening to a story.. it's so beautifully written and directed by Raam Reddy and the Cast which you would feel played and is so apt for their roles .. The Legend Manoj Bajpayee and Deepak Dobriyal and Priyanka Bose are so good in thr characters that you immediately connect to them .. and new Face Hiral Sidhu's work is so amazing as a protagonist , rebellion teenage daughter with so much potential in her .. A must watch movie.

Brilliantly crafted and refreshingly authentic film that dives deep into the quirks of rural Himalayan life. With non-professional actors, The Fable, like Thithi captures a genuine, unfiltered charm that's rare in cinema. Reddy's storytelling is masterful, blending humor, warmth, Indian spirituality, and social insight effortlessly. This movie is a standout experience-rich, funny, and deeply resonant.

The Himalayas and the orchards were shown beautifully in the film. Cinematography is just brilliant. The long opening shot is breathtaking.

Watched it at the Berlin Film Festival. A must watch.