“Vanaja” is a groundbreaking film about caste, culture, class and most importantly the feelings and emotions of a young mother, and a must-see for movie lovers and those who appreciate art and culture.
Vanaja, the titular heroine, is a young 14 year-old daughter of a poor, low-caste fisherman, struggling with dwindling catches and mounting debt, who yearns to learn the Kuchipudi style of dancing. She uses her wits and smarts to worm her way into the home of a rich landlady in the village, Rama Devi, in hopes of learning Kuchipudi dance while earning her keep.
Vanaja uses her intelligence to get the attention of the landlady and manages to learn music and dance from her. She excels at the art, and seems to be on a steadily ascending path when Shekhar (Karan Singh), Rama Devi’s 23-year-old son – handsome, muscular and rather insecure, returns from America to run for local political elections.
Sexual chemistry is ignited between Shekhar and Vanaja (still a minor at 15), as flirtation and innuendo bloom. But, the situation suddenly turns ugly when Vanaja’s superior intellect pits her against Shekhar in a public incident, which ultimately humiliates him in front of his mother. Matters escalate, spiraling downwards and she is pitched into a tale of class, family and animus from which there is only one escape.
“Vanaja” is not only the writer and director Rajnesh Domalapalli’s first feature but also his thesis at the Film School at Columbia University. While some critics call this movie a glorified documentary, the story line is delightfully simple, yet excellent and realistic. Exemplary acting by novice actors make this a must-see film. The caste system, culture clashes, women’s rights are portrayed candidly and credibly.
This is a story of a young girl who must face the harsh realities of existence, very early on in life. In becoming a woman, she must make difficult decisions that are best for others but not necessarily the greatest for her. And her choices will eventually leave her devastated and lonely, as she makes a selfless sacrifice even many adults are not capable of.
–written by Visi Tilak
posted January 15, 2008 at 1:02 am
Write a daughter of an unknown caste instead of a daughter of low-caste.While not talking of caste among women you talk more clearly that it does exist among women.It’s a way of rotten and ugly art!
posted January 18, 2008 at 1:31 pm
We are all victims of the system. Meet someone for the 1st time & each will start putting the other into a level, which we use to deal and / or relate to the other person. What is your name, how old are you, what is your nationality, what is your level of education, where & what is your employment, are you married, if so, how manny children ? And the questions go on, putting one in a caste above or below the other. We all want to be the superior one. Why ?
posted January 18, 2008 at 3:02 pm
what language is the film in? where is it available?
posted January 18, 2008 at 9:53 pm
I agree with IT, that we are all victims of a caste system. In a setting that was supposed to be free from the vicissitudes of caste and “pigeon-holing,” I was subjected from the first day to laughter and ridicule for the beliefs I held and the ideas that I voiced. Is the world doomed to not acknowledging that all human-kind is worthy and worthwhile?
It has been and continues to be my prayer that we will all see the light of G-d in one another and not focus on the outward but inward manifestation of the ONE. I hope that this movie will have an impact on the people who need it most. The ones who believe that they are worth more than another and who hold an elitist view of themselves and those who walk in their circles.
posted January 19, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Thank you Nelson. Sometimes one is not sure if ones thoughts are taken & understood the way one is trying to describe. It
posted January 31, 2008 at 2:14 pm
In Sir Richard Attenbourgh’s film “Ghandi”, his wife didn’t want to clean the toilets, stating that THAT was the work, the chore, of the untouchables. But, after Ghandi scolded her, after he explained why she shouldn’t feel that way, she did that chore.
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