Stunningly shot, The Warrior, is located in a dreamscape that could be both historical and contemporary. Ostensibly a tale about medieval Rajput feudal mores centred around the world of mercenary soldiers brutalised by the demands of their overlord and the rough terrain they inhabit, the film could be true for certain parts of India in the 21st century.

Yet, far from being either a historical film or a pseudo-documentary about social banditry, the film turns to exploit surreal landscapes evocative of alienation, mystery and miracles to tell the story of a mercenary who embarks on a journey of self-understanding and self-realisation that he attains at the cost of great personal loss. The images are more states of the mind, playing on contrasts between light and darkness, coolness and heat, than about any objective reality out there.

Asif Kapadia won the bfi's Sutherland Trophy (2001), for his debut feature film The Warrior. The award was presented by Sutherland Jury member, artist Wolfgang Tillmans, at an awards ceremony before the RLFF's closing night gala film. Established in 1958, the bfi has awarded the Sutherland Trophy to the film-maker whose first or second feature is judged to have been the best during the year. However, since 1997, the criteria has altered and it is awarded to the maker of the most original and imaginative first feature film screened during the London Film Festival. In 2002, Asif Kapadia won a Carlton TV Multicultural Award for his contribution to film.