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Set in rural South India, VANAJA, the 14 year old daughter of a poor fisherman goes to work in the house of the local landlady in hopes of learning Kuchipudi Dance. What begins as innocent flirtation, suddenly turns ugly, pitching her into a battle of gender, caste and animus from which there is only one escape. Winner: Best Debut, Berlin 2007 + 23 Additonal Intl. Awards and 2 Spirit Nominations. (MFA Thesis at Columbia University).

The Fisherman's Daughter 2002, 11 Min; Telugu with English Subtitles

Nalli, the young daughter of a debt-ridden fisherman discovers the true nature of family ties.

1st Year Class Project at Columbia University

Poison in the Well 2002, 12 Min; Telugu with English Subtitles

Rangamma, an old woman is hounded and accused of being a witch by local villagers, but soon discovers that revenge can have some unexpected consequences.

1st Year Class Project at Columbia University

Firecrackers 2002, 11 Min; Telugu with English Subtitles

Young Anju (later Yadigiri in VANAJA) , is the apple of his grandmother's eye. But when his father turns errant, he decides to take matters into his own hands.

1st Year Class Project at Columbia University

Just For Him 2003, 13 Min; Telugu with English Subtitles

A handicapped Woman (later Rama Devi in VANAJA) and her estranged Son (later Shekhar in VANAJA), find that demanding attention or manipulating guilt are habits that are not easy to lose.

2nd Year Class Project at Columbia University