Renowned screenwriter and director Janardhan Maharshi, celebrated for his contributions to Telugu cinema, has recently unveiled the much-anticipated first glimpse of his new film, ‘Shloka’. What sets this project apart is its unique characteristic of being entirely in Sanskrit, a move that paves the way for a profound cinematic experience in one of the world’s oldest languages. This ambitious project is backed by Sarvejanah Sukhinobhavantu Films, with Maharshi’s daughters, Sravani and Sharvani, taking on the roles of producers.
Maharshi expressed deep passion for the project, stating, “As a Sanskrit student and an ardent lover of the language, I have been contemplating making a film entirely in Sanskrit. I now have the opportunity to pursue this project and am eager to make more films in Sanskrit. I aim to promote the language globally.” According to the director, the storyline delves into philosophical discourse, a blend of spirituality and existential musings communicated through an artistic medium.
The narrative of ‘Shloka’ centers around a philosophical dialogue between Rudra Bhoomi (essentially the graveyard) and a woman named Sloka. Maharshi elaborates, “The film presents a profound heart-to-heart conversation between Prakruthi (Nature) and Aakruthi (form). Ascetic in reaction to the present world, the graveyard channels its thoughts through Sloka’s music.” This unique blend of elements promises an evocative tale that engages both the mind and soul, entrancing the audience with depth and introspection.
The unveiling of the first look was strategically timed to coincide with Teacher’s Day on September 5, marking a tribute to Sanskrit teachers who have dedicated their lives to the preservation and dissemination of the language. Maharshi, in his dedication, aims to honor those educators by presenting a cinematic oeuvre that embodies the essence of Sanskrit.
Actress Ragini Dwivedi, who plays the lead role in ‘Shloka’, brings her seasoned expertise to the project. The film also features an ensemble cast including Tanikella Bharani, Vajreshwari Kumar, Jack Manju, Surappa Babu, Aditya, Badri Divya Bhushan, and Sandeep Malani. This diverse array of talent further embellishes the film, promising comprehensive performances and a rich cinematic experience.
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An important aspect of the production was filming key scenes in actual ancient cemeteries across India, which posed considerable logistical challenges. Maharshi discloses, “The crucial Rudhra Bhoomi scenes have been filmed during schedules held in Bengaluru and Mysuru. Important scenes involving Ragini were filmed in ancient graveyards across the country. Shooting in these cemeteries required significant effort.” The objective was to capture the austere and authentic ambiance that these locales naturally provide, ensuring the narrative’s integrity and impact remains compelling and profound.
In addition to his responsibilities as the writer and director, Janardhan Maharshi has extended his creative garb to music composition for ‘Shloka’. The film’s production crew is a blend of seasoned professionals and rising talents. The team is known to include co-director Siva Subrahmanyam, cinematographer Siiva Mallala, and editor Shyam Vadavalli, each bringing their unique expertise and vision to the project. Their combined efforts are aimed at creating a harmonious blend of narrative, visuals, and sound, furthering the movie’s potential to connect deeply with its audience.
Currently, ‘Shloka’ is in the post-production phase. This stage involves meticulous editing, visual effects, and sound mixing to ensure that every element of the film aligns with the director’s vision. The release date is yet to be announced, but the anticipation surrounding this project is palpable within cinema circles, both among film enthusiasts and the international linguistic community.
‘Shloka’ will also be dubbed and released in several other languages, broadening its reach and potential impact. The film’s multi-lingual aspect aims to cross cultural boundaries and engage a wide range of audiences globally, promising an enriching experience that transcends linguistic barriers.
This Sanskrit film marks a significant step in bringing ancient cultural elements to contemporary media, presenting them in a manner that is both respectful of tradition and innovative in its storytelling approach. Maharshi’s vision, backed by a dedicated team and a talented cast, is set to illuminate the beauty and depth of Sanskrit through the art of cinema.
