Roots of Resistance and Identity: An analysis of Kantara and The Journey of Tai-me
| Authors |
| Kalpana Mairembam & Prof. H.Subrata Singh |
| Date of Publication: December, 2024 |
| Volume: XXIII, No.- XXVI |
| Abstract |
| The oral transmission of cultural narratives and traditions is vibrant and organic in nature among most Indians. We have grown up listening to folk tales, myths and legends which have been passed down from generation to generation. Storytelling has been a part of our lives. Our mythological stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata, Akbar and Birbal Fables, have been the fondest part of the Indian childhood. Oral tradition has been a great part of Indian tradition as well as for the native American. The paper intends to approach the use of indigenous media and indigenous oral narratives by giving a comparative study of Kannada language movie Kantara (2022) and N. Scott Momaday’s The Journey of Tai-me (1967) by blending folklore with mythology. Kantara optimally represents indigenous concerns within the form of contemporary media. Momaday’s The Journey of Tai-me provides how oral transmission ensures the survival of the spirit of indigenous perspectives and world views. Both works successfully encapsulates and explores several culturally located traditions. The paper reflects the akin indigenous ontology viz the emphatic use of Bhoota Kola, a performative ritual prevalent among the indigenous community of Adivasi in the coastal region of southern Kerala and the Sun dance ritual of the native American, exchange of Panjurli Daiva, (an animist form of the spirit) and the exchange of spiritual amulet Tai-me to the Kiowa tribe. To delve and analyse the two works, this paper will employ the theoretical model of “fourth cinema” as offered by Barry Barclay and Levi-Strauss’s concept of “mythemes”. The paper attempts to bring up the essence of indigenous values, lives, and authenticity to limelight within an indigenous space rather amalgamating nor assimilating within the mainstream or dominant narratives. By bringing up the mystical and intriguing narratives through folklore the paper studies the discourse of indigenous practices and rituals and how it also raises the question of polarity between the negative and positive connotation of superstition and belief. |
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