A bold and poignant Khasi-language film titled “LANOT” — meaning “The Disaster” — has emerged from the creative corridors of Star Films Production, telling the untold stories of the people of Meghalaya, particularly those in the coal-belt region of Jaintia Hills, whose lives were upended by the ban on coal mining.
Directed by Reubenzo N. Kharkongor and produced by Samuel N. Kharkongor, LANOT is more than just a regional feature — it is a social statement. Starring Moonstar Nongdhar and Lucy Diengdoh in lead roles, the film captures the devastating ripple effects of economic disruption following the shutdown of one of Meghalaya’s most contentious industries.
Born from the Soil, Rooted in Reality
What sets LANOT apart is its origin. The story, conceptualized by lead actor Moonstar Nongdhar, is inspired by real-life experiences — a narrative shaped by the collapse of livelihood among daily wage earners, coal labourers, and rural families. The film explores how, for thousands, coal was not just a resource — it was the very foundation of survival.
Set against the rugged backdrop of the Jaintia Hills, LANOT follows a protagonist who witnesses his world crumble after the ban. As families sink into poverty, children drop out of school, and communities fracture under economic strain, the film paints a gripping portrait of socio-economic disaster that followed a well-intentioned environmental policy.
A Community-Driven Creation
The production of LANOT features a team of passionate local talents who contribute to the film’s authenticity and emotional depth:
Choreography: Moonstar Nongdhar
Vocalists: Lapyntngen M Pdah & Banshemphang Tham
Lyrics: Tyngshainhun Wanniang
Music Composer: Banshemphang Tham
Cinematography: Kiki Garod
Editing: Aleric Ryan Kharkongor
Make-Up Artist: Wanphrang Kharbuli
The supporting cast includes Pradip Shullet, Sbarbok Aka, Kynrada Passah (CJ), and Fabian Sawkmie, whose performances further elevate the film’s emotional resonance. The soundtrack, deeply rooted in Khasi cultural rhythms, complements the storyline with raw emotional intensity.
A Film with a Purpose
At its core, LANOT is a film with a conscience. It raises essential questions: Were affected communities given adequate alternatives before the mining ban? Has the system responded to their cries for help? While the environmental and legal reasoning behind the shutdown is undeniable, the film exposes the glaring absence of a transition plan for the most vulnerable.
Its tagline — “The poorest suffer in silence while the system fails them” — encapsulates the essence of the film: a disaster not caused by nature, but by neglect.
A Must-Watch for Policymakers and Citizens Alike
LANOT stands not only as a cinematic achievement but as a necessary mirror reflecting a harsh social truth. For viewers, especially policymakers, academics, and advocates of sustainable development, the film is a wake-up call to recognize that behind every policy shift are real lives that hang in the balance.
As the lights go down and the credits roll, LANOT leaves its audience not only entertained but also deeply moved, provoked, and challenged.
