India-USA/2006/111 min/35mm
LA Premiere
Director: Rajnesh Domalpalli
Producer: Latha R. Domalapalli
Screenwriter: Rajnesh Domalpalli
Cinematographer: Milton Kam
Production Designer: Nagulu Busigampala
Editors: Robert Q. Lovett, Rajnesh Domalpalli
Music: Bhaskara S. Narayanan, Indira Amperiani
Sound Editors: Andrew Halasz, Radhakrishna Eskala
Cast: Mamatha Bhukya, Urmila Dammannagari, Ramachandriah
Marikanti
When a soothsayer predicts that Vanaja, the adolescent daughter of a poor fisherman, will become a great dancer one day, she takes a job with the local landlady, Rama Devi, in hopes of learning Kuchipudi dance and alleviating her father’s mounting debt. Rama Devi takes notice of the spirited young girl and begins to guide her in the art of music and dance. Vanaja excels in the arts, but a flirtation with Rama Devi’s son Shekhar, recently returned from the US, escalates into a struggle when Vanaja’s natural intellect causes Shekhar public humiliation. Shekhar’s wealth, power and caste give him an upper hand, but Vanaja’s tremendous strength and resilience is not to be underestimated.
VANAJA, Rajnesh Domalpalli’s debut feature and thesis for Columbia University’s graduate film program, was recently named Best Debut Feature at the Berlin International Film Festival. It resists the draw of sentimentality to tell a genuine story of determination among the most marginalized segment of a rural society. The mark of authenticity is due in large part to the gifted ensemble of nonprofessional actors that comprise the film’s cast. Marked kudos go to the dynamic Mamatha Bhukya who embodies the titular character’s winning combination of charm and fortitude.
Telugu (English subtitles)
Print Source:
Madhu Sundarapu
Varija Films Pvt. Ltd.
8-2-120/C/88/1, Road No.2, Banjara Hills
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh 500033
India
Ph: 91 40 23544248
Fax: 91 40 23540518
vanaja.print.shipping@gmail.com
www.vanajathefilm.com
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