New Delhi:

The movie titled "The Face of the Faceless" which portrays the life of the Indian nun Rani Maria, who was martyred for faith, will be released in India on November 17. The lead role in the movie is played by Vincy Aloshious, a South Indian actress. The Face of the Faceless is directed by Shaison P. Ouseph, an internationally acclaimed documentary filmmaker.

Rani Maria Vattalil, commonly known as Sister Rani Maria, was born on January 29, 1954, in Pulluvazhy, Kerala, India. Sister Rani Maria belonged to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. She dedicated her life to religious service and was a member of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC). Sister Rani Maria was involved in various social and pastoral activities, particularly focusing on the poor and marginalized communities.

Tragically, Sister Rani Maria was brutally murdered on February 25, 1995, while traveling on a bus in the Indore district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Her assailant, Samandar Singh, was later arrested and convicted of the crime. The motive behind her murder was reportedly related to her work among the landless poor and her efforts to empower them.

Samandar Singh eventually sought forgiveness and reconciliation with her family. After spending several years in prison, Singh experienced a profound spiritual transformation. “Rani Maria was murdered in a knife attack, and her assassin was sentenced to prison. Sr. Rani Maria's mother kissed the hands of her daughter's assassin as a sign of forgiveness...,” the website on the movie says. The cause for Rani Maria’s canonization was initiated after her death, which led to her beatification by the Catholic Church in 2017.