Highway Sheila gets her own movie
The premiere of the local movie Highway Sheila — The Resurrection was an unforgettable event, drawing enthusiastic crowds who eagerly mingled with the cast of this highly-anticipated film.
Screenings of this family-friendly movie have been captivating audiences nationwide and even extending to Namibia. Highway Sheila — The Resurrection is rooted in a long-standing myth associated with the Higginson Highway in Chatsworth, Durban, bringing a piece of local folklore to the big screen.
Set in the 1980s, the film beautifully recreates the modest Chatsworth home of 16-year-old Santoni Patel, whose sudden disappearance after a night out with friends becomes the heart of the story. The narrative follows Patel’s mother, who endures 40 years of heartache and uncertainty until a pundit priest (played by Dr Raj Singh) reaches out, claiming he can communicate with her daughter’s spirit.
Arish Sirkissoon, also known as LX Seth, who wrote, directed, and produced the movie, expressed his elation over the warm reception from movie-goers.
"We did a lot of research to ensure the scenes authentically represented the '80s. Seeing it all come together has been incredibly rewarding," Sirkissoon shared.
Sirkissoon and Dr Raj Singh's script embraces these myths, using it as a foundation to build a narrative that delves deeper into Sheila's backstory, motivations, and the eerie events surrounding her alleged ghostly appearances on the highway.
The plot thickens with the help of two detectives who uncover the grim truth: Patel was murdered on the night she went missing.
Highway Sheila — The Resurrection is an engaging film for the entire family, promising a mix of laughter, tears, and valuable life lessons on parenting, gender-based violence, and peer pressure.
From the opening scene, the film grips the audience with edge-of-the-seat tension. The cinematography is stellar, capturing the haunting beauty of Chatsworth's landscapes, especially after dark. Shadows and light are masterfully used to create a sense of chilly mystery, enhanced by exceptional make-up work. The visual effects, though not overly extravagant, effectively bring Sheila's ghost to life in a manner that feels both ethereal and terrifying. The lives of modern-day characters, from journalists to politicians to psychologists, intersect with Sheila's restless spirit.
Performances throughout the film are strong, with Singh, and Sirkissoon delivering particularly compelling portrayals of their characters.
This film is a must-watch, delivering an emotional and thought-provoking experience that resonates with viewers of all ages.
