Based on folk tales, this Assamese film weaves four stories together in an interesting mix of whimsy and depth. Each story is bizarre and thought provoking at the same time. Some are situated close to each other geographically and appear to trod the same tracts of land, but are in fact stories all alone. Some end predictably following long stretches of jaw- drop surprise while others go the opposite way.
A woman is followed by a fruit, an evil stepmother takes advantage of her husband's absence, a man captures a python so as to marry it off to his daughter and a man keeps burying his newborn babies. That's about as basic a premise as it is. Shot beautifully, Kothanodi soars wildly and is an absolute joy to watch. It reminded me of my childhood which was spent in the company of Jataka Tales and the Panchatantra. Much recommended.
