The Cane Cutter – A love story rooted in heritage, history, and heart
As South Africa commemorates 165 years since the arrival of Indian indentured labourers, The Cane Cutter brings their stories to life on the big screen. The Cane Cutter is a powerful, timeless love story that spans three generations.
This historical romance follows Dev (Razeen Dada), a young law student who abandons his studies to make a documentary about his grandfather’s life as an indentured labourer. In his journey, he meets Amisha (Dr Kajal Lutchminarain), a doctor rebuilding her life after personal trauma. Together, they uncover a hidden ancestral connection: their great-grandparents, a Telugu boy and a Gujarati girl, met aboard the last indenture ship to Natal, but their love was tragically cut short. A century later, Dev and Amisha are connected by the story their ancestors began.
“Working with Dr. Kajal Lutchminarain was a genuine pleasure. She is not only incredibly talented but also brings a palpable grace and strength to the role of Amisha. Our on-screen chemistry, as the star-crossed great-grandchildren, is one of the central emotional anchors of the film as well as Dev’s determination to tell the story of our history and contribution to modern day society. It’s a chemistry that I hope will make the audience’s heart smile and cry.”
Much of the filming took place in Durban, with a short scene in New York’s Central Park. The production also features interviews with prominent South African figures, including Ela Gandhi, Professor Salim Abdool Karim, and Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, grounding the narrative in historical reality.
Dada explains,
“This film honours our ancestors and celebrates the resilience of the Indian community in South Africa. It’s a story of love, identity, and legacy across generations. The movie is a poignant drama that spotlights the resilience and rise of a nation’s evolving identity. I hope it inspires all people to appreciate their heritage and the remarkable contributions of our ancestors. On a personal level, I hope it also sends a strong message of inspiration to those who need it most.”
Director Dr Eubulus Timothy adds,
“We wanted to tell a story that connects the past and present. It’s both personal and universal, reflecting the courage it takes to reclaim your roots.”
Producer Shan Moodley highlights the cultural significance:
“Our goal was to create a film that future generations can look back on and recognise as their story. It’s a celebration of culture, history, and resilience.”
Behind the scenes, Zahra Dada, Razeen’s sister, an actress, skilled marketer and content creator, helped him prepare for his role and ensured that the film’s message reached audiences effectively. “Zahra’s insight and creativity were invaluable.”
The Cane Cutter is more than a love story; it is a cinematic tribute to the sacrifices, resilience, and triumphs of Indian indentured labourers, Indian Immigrants and their descendants. It blends historical reality with modern romance, exploring themes of identity, heritage, and the enduring power of love.
The highly-anticipated film The Cane Cutter is set to showcase across various Nu Metro cinemas from the 21st November.
