In the enchanting realm of “The Fable,” director Raam Reddy weaves a tale of magical realism slowly stripped of its allure, revealing the hidden dimensions beneath. Set against the lush backdrop of a Himalayan orchard in 1989 northeastern India, Reddy’s mesmerizing film unravels the lives of a family of four, led by the enigmatic patriarch Dev (played by Manoj Bajpayee), who presides over the once-colonial estate with the assistance of local villagers. At first glance, their world appears pristine and picture-perfect, but beneath the surface lurk shadows of suspicion and fear.
The film’s opening shot sets the stage for its mystical elements, as Dev’s morning routine is captured in an unbroken sequence, culminating in the revelation of his wooden hawk-feather wings. With an air of matter-of-factness, these fairy tale elements coexist alongside the intimate portrayal of Dev’s family dynamics, particularly with the return of his daughter Vanya (Hiral Sidhu) from college.
Shot on 16mm film, Reddy and cinematographer Sunil Borkar imbue “The Fable” with a nostalgic quality, evoking the scratching and fading of an old, battered film print. As the story unfolds, childhood fables serve as a lens through which harsh realities are processed, blurring the lines between memory and truth.
Narrated from the present, 35 years later, the film delves into the events surrounding Rebecca’s death, unraveling a complex web of suspicion and intrigue. Against the backdrop of smoke and darkness, fires rage on the mountainside, fueling accusations and superstitions that alter the fabric of the estate and its surrounding lands.
As Dev’s pursuit of justice descends into a moral abyss, actor Manoj Bajpayee delivers a stunning performance, transitioning from paternal warmth to something abstract and unsettlingly punitive. Through Dev’s actions, Reddy exposes the corrosive nature of power and social hegemony, shedding light on the unequal systems at play within the estate.
“The Fable” poses profound questions about cultural fears and societal constructs, inviting viewers to contemplate whether these phenomena are inherent or constructed. Set against the backdrop of contemporary India’s political landscape, the film confronts issues of class, land ownership, and the vilification of outsiders with unwavering intensity.
In its juxtaposition of political critique and ethereal beauty, “The Fable” offers a new perspective on memory, nostalgia, and the concept of home. Reddy’s cinematic sorcery transcends traditional storytelling, offering a mesmerizing journey into the depths of human experience.
