Filmed in the undulating sands of the Thar desert of Rajasthan, The Song of Scorpions offers an amazing cinematographic experience. The vast sand dunes and the stars-lit nights with the shadows hovering in a glow of a campfire. They create the unforgettable aesthetics in the movie.
It is a story of Nooran and her struggle to defend and uphold her dignity. The story could have easily promulgated elements of melodrama but Anup Singh's uncompromising and unembellished direction style keeps the movie lucid and a slow burn. The understated way of story telling keeps audience engaged and rather notice the other elements such as fantastic performances by international actors and dazzling work of Pietro Zuercher and Carlotta Holy-Steinemann. There are few gaps though in story such as somewhat incomplete characterizations of Waheeda Rehman and Proteginist Nooran's characters. But let me tell you the music that is woven through out the film will steal your heart and what a treat it is! It totally justifies the title of the movie. A Rajasthani singing; no ensemble, no instruments, a Capella.
I watched Golshifteh Farahani in Girls of the Sun few years ago and was impressed by her vehement performance. She is an Iranian actress who has done many Hollywood films as well as French theater. She pairs with Irfan Khan, a very high caliber fine actor and both deliver commanding performances. Kudos to Farahani esp for embracing a completely new language - Rajasthani and recording all the dialogues in her own voice without a dubbing artist. Waheedaji is an accomplished actress and her short brief appearance leaves a long lasting impression. The entire cast delivers convincing performances.
A great film.
