Berlinale 2025: Village Rockstars 2 | Interview with Rima Das & Bhanita Das

Village Rockstars 2 follows the young protagonist Dhunu (Bhanita Das) on her musical journey, strumming the guitar that her mother gifted her at the end of the first film (TIFF 2017). A co-production between India, Singapore and the People’s Republic of China, Village Rockstars 2 held its European premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival in the Generation 14Plus section and received a standing ovation when the Indian director Rima Das and Bhanita walked on stage after the screening.

“When I was watching the first film Village Rockstars on the big screen, especially the ending, when she looks at the real guitar in her hand, it just struck me that this was where the second part of the film begins,” said Rima, looking beautiful at the fourth-floor lounge of Berlinale Palast.

The film stands on its own, focusing on Dhunu’s relationship with her mother, nature, and music as she navigates her teenage years. Premiering at the Busan Film Festival last year, where it won the Kim Jiseok Award, the film takes us on yet another journey of a young adult’s passion for music and the hurdles in her life, pushing her to grow up fast.

Rima recalls, “In the earlier film, when the mother is taking the guitar, walking towards home, that’s when I realized the story should continue. In real life, too, Dhunu is learning to play the guitar for the first time, and we kept what she played in the film. This was the beginning of my follow-up film.”

Rima was a bit worried about the main protagonist as she was suddenly in the limelight and also in her teens, but she had confidence in Dhunu. It was a natural process, as the shooting continued for 100 days, beginning in July during COVID. It was indeed a difficult journey, and they went through a lot of emotions—many things, mental and physical challenges—which also added to the story.

This film took her four years to complete, and it was also risky, as she wanted it to be perfect. “It is a story close to my heart. It was very important to continue the purity of the film and keep the story authentic. The story is about my community, talking about nature and developmental changes. I didn’t want to compromise because I also sought to convey a message,” said Rima.

For Dhunu, it took little time to get used to the new friends she made in the band. Although she knew most of the other characters, it was the love for music that made it all possible.

Bhanita is very much at ease at the Berlinale. “I like the festival. So many people came to see the film. It was very nice. I also love playing the guitar, and I am picking it up very fast. My teacher also says, ‘You catch it so quickly.’ Even now, my first teacher tells me, ‘Come, your hand is so good, you capture it so well, you should come whenever you get the time.’ Even now, wherever we meet, the teacher says, ‘Come whenever you get the time.’ ‘How did you fall in love with the guitar? Why the guitar?’ I fell in love with the guitar when I met my sister (Rima). When she came to our village, I didn’t even think that I would act.”

Rima feels that Bhanita is very talented and dedicated to honing her music skills, and that’s what makes both films stand out.

“When I make a film, it’s more about telling a story that’s spontaneous, in tune with what was happening in Dhunu’s life, which is now at the threshold of young adulthood. Besides that, she is also seeing the changes taking place in her village, where there are plans for a new road through the nature she loves so much. The film talks about her pain and anguish, for it is the same nature that helps her create music,” adds Rima.

Rima is also a producer on this film and speaks about the struggles of getting funding, stating that she invested all the award money her earlier films received. “But the best part is that since I produce and shoot on my own, I have all my setup, which helps keep the budget within reach. Though I insist upon a sound crew, as it is very important for this film.”

Rima is currently in the process of making a documentary and is collaborating. She acknowledges the role of her two homes—Assam and Mumbai—in shaping her. “Mumbai has taught me a lot of things. I came here to be an actress, but it was God’s will that I turned to telling stories that surround us. Right now, I am delving into a father-daughter relationship story and also playing with a folk horror theme.”

Film Fest Report is an accredited media at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival.