Tara: The Lost Star Debuts at Dream Theater in Kalimpong

KalimNews, Kalimpong, 20 June 2024 : Tara: the Lost Star, is finally being screened at Dream Theater in Kalimpong. The film was released across India, starting from Sikkim to the northeastern states and beyond, since June 14, 2024. Directed by Samten Bhutia, the film is co-produced by Sabitri Chettri and actor Shyama Shree Sherpa. It is presented by SaDa Productions in association with Passang Mintok Films. Several crew members including actor Shyama Shree Sherpa were present today at Kalimpong and addressed the press.

This film has made history as the first film from Sikkim to debut at the Marché Du Film, the official film market of the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival. The 77th Annual Cannes International Film Festival was attended by the actor cum producer Shyama Shree Sherpa.

Completed in about seven months, the film is 1.5 hours long. Tara: the Lost Star, was filmed against the breathtaking backdrop of Gnathang-Memenchu near Changu Lake in Sikkim. It encapsulates the essence of Sikkim's natural beauty and cultural heritage, representing the creative synergy and cultural richness of the region.

The film features popular artists from Sikkim, Nepal, and Darjeeling. It is a Nepali-language feature film that offers a glimpse into the beliefs of the Himalayas and the vibrant culture of Sikkim. It is a social drama about the struggle between superstitious beliefs and medical science, and one woman's fight for freedom from religious constraints.

Actors Shyama Shree Sherpa (Tara), Sushmita Bhujel (Manita), Nityam Bhattarai (Kale), Shashikala Pradhan (Sanmaya), Basanta Sharma (Kishor), Anand Gurung (Pema), Timothy Rai (Dhupaure) are from Sikkim, while Kiran Dahal (Suman) and Loonibha Tuladhar (Kopila) are from Nepal. Deoraj Sherpa (Agam), a well-known actor from Darjeeling, is also part of the team. Sikkim's Prasant Rasaily and Pramod Karki contributed to the background score and cinematography, respectively.

Tara: the Lost Star, follows the journey of 21-year-old Tara, who resides in a scenic and secluded village near Gangtok, Sikkim. Since childhood, she has grappled with dissociative trance disorder, which frequently results in seizures. While her father advocates for medical treatment to alleviate her condition, her mother holds steadfastly to a contrasting belief. 

Blinded by unfounded faith and prejudice, she perceives Tara as a reincarnation of the revered goddess "Mata," a belief ingrained since Tara’s youth. Consequently, she seeks spiritual intervention from a shaman rather than embracing medical solutions. Tara finds herself torn between her parents’ divergent perspectives as she navigates the complexities of her existence. 

A reserved individual by nature, Tara silently witnesses their disputes concerning her well-being, feeling powerless. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when her friend Manita provides unwavering support, and she discovers comfort and affection in her classmate, Suman. In this tumultuous environment, Tara begins to discover her voice for the first time.

Despite the village’s proximity to modern civilization, the film sheds light on a world often overlooked or misunderstood by outsiders. 

The performances of its two lead actors, along with those of other supporting actors in this tale of a young couple's struggles, are highly praised in the film Tara: the Lost Star. Not only the story but also the dialogue in the local language, and the cinematography played significant roles in it. The cinematography and locations are excellent, while the makeup and lighting are well-managed and executed superbly.