The forbidden kingdom of south Asian cinema finally seems to have broken free from the fetters of its images and imagination. And the outcome was as fresh as the endeavour itself. Phorpa (The Cup)-the Bhutanese entry to the Asian Competition section at the International Film Festival of India 2000-was easily the most endearing film at this annual jamboree of cine addicts. Though it was the least publicised and failed to make it to the victory stand, it left the viewer with a smile on his face and a song in his heart.