The Rite, a Passion (2002)

A subtle interplay between clashing ideologies: that of traditional religious values versus modern youth drawn towards extremism. Events overtake Subbaiah Sastry, a highly respected vedic and scholar in his prime now scraping out a meagre existence as a corpse carrier. He endures the contempt of his Hyderabad neighbours due to his acceptance of Tiladaanam, a lowly Brahammic rite involving the acceptance of the sins of the dead in exchange for coins and the food of the deceased. His son, Raghuram, has become a terrorist hunted by the police, at odds with his father. A stark contrast is provided between an outdated system and as yet undefined future. - Melbourne International Film Festival

• Release Date: 2002-01-01
• Runtime: 1h 29min
• Production Company: National Film Development Corporation of India
• Production Country: India
• Director: K.N.T. Sastry