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The title of this instructive, exemplary documentary refers to a generally occurring and intriguing problem in communication: a story supposes a minimum of two people, the teller and the listener. Their close, interactive relationship refers also to the personages appearing: a story needs a ‘good guy’ and a ‘baddie’. A story is moreover often more than just an anecdote: it refers to a cultural environment, it transmits traditional views, it ultimately embodies a fundamental cosmogony. Using old, but still lively painting techniques (chauks), the makers tell a story about the Warlis, an indigenous tribe marginalised by the Hindus, Marathas, British and the current socio-political structure. Their oral culture is performed with four splendid picaresque stories (about a clever rat, how the god of the dead got his way, or how women take the wind out of their husbands’ sails). This is confronted with scientific quotations about the Warlis which provides historical depth to the current discrimination and economic exploitation. Finally the illustrating images of Indian country life have a rustic beauty. This story deserves many listeners because it must not go untold! The circle must be closed.
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Erik Daams
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Scenario/Text K.P. Jayasankar, Anjali Monteiro, N. Madhiwalla paintings Bhimsen Kondya Koti, Voice Shoba V. Gosh, Sujeet Bhatt, Production Tata Institute of Social Studies
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1 9 9 6 
