Lorni – The Flaneur (2022), starring Adil Hussain and directed by musician-filmmaker Wanphrang K Diengdoh, is due to be released on 2 September on SonyLIV. The cast includes Dawiat Syiem, Elizer Bareh, and features the music of Mojo, Gareth Bonello, The Ska Vengers, Hammarsing Kharhmar (Ñion), (L) HK Wahlang and The Lynx.
Based on a graphic novel, the film is set in Shillong, Meghalaya and tells the story of Shem, an out-of-work, self-styled detective (Hussain), whose life takes an interesting turn when he is asked to investigate the disappearance of a ‘paila’, a coral necklace of great cultural significance for the Khasi people. Navigating narrow streets and dark alleys, Shem embarks on an emotional and mental journey reflective of his reality and that of Shillong.
Wanphrang K Diengdoh’s debut indie feature Lorni: The Flaneur subverts the noir genre
Released in 2019, the film has been screened at several international film festivals and won awards at the New York Indian Film Festival 2020, London Indian Film Festival 2021 and Ottawa Indian Film Festival 2021. The film was also the only Indian nominee in the First Feature Category Competition at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Fest in Estonia.
Speaking about the film’s digital release, lead actor Hussain said, “I’m overwhelmed by the response we’ve received. The film weaves a beautiful world of dreams, folk tales, legends, and identities, in an out-of-the-box manner. It portrays the struggle between culture and modernity that the youth face today. I’m hopeful for a positive reaction from the viewers.”
Filmmaker Diengdoh added, “I’m elated at the reaction we have received at film festivals across the world. I am happy and excited as the film will reach a wider audience through SonyLIV. Having grown up in Shillong, being able to build a story in and around it has been very fulfilling, and that’s what makes this film so personal. Also, it is proof that in spite of our very nascent filmmaking culture, Meghalaya is capable of putting quality content at par with the rest of the world. I hope more and more people watch the film and like it.”
The film is produced by Maiti Pictures and Reddur Productions and supported by a grant from the India Foundation for the Arts.
Check out the trailer below and let us know if you are keen on watching the film.