Set in South India, where the rigid caste system is not only still present but also very strong, Vanaja is the story of a mischevious 15-year-old girl named Vanaja (played brilliantly by Mamatha Bhukya). Vanaja wheedles her way into the home of Mrs. Rama Devi, a powerful upper class landowner. Rama Devi is intrigued and amused by Vanajaās boldness and agrees to teach her Kuchipudi, a South Indian narrative dance reserved for high-caste Brahmins. Vanaja becomes Rama Deviās protg and a welcome servant in her home. When Rama Deviās handsome son Shekhar returns home from America, things get very complicated and soon young Vanaja becomes pregnant. Rama Devi objects to any sort of union between her high-caste son, who is now running for political office, and a lowly village girl like Vanaja, but Vanaja is very strong-willed and refuses to go away quietly. Director Ranjesh Domalpalli paints the portrait of a young girl coming into her own with such skill that itās amazing to believe that Vanaja was part of a MFA requirement for the director at Columbia University.
While the story is quite compelling and engaging, what makes the film is the amazing cast. Each character is perfectly portrayed and every single movement, line and expression feels both natural and authentic. Bhukya, who was cast when she was only in 8th grade, brings such strength and maturity to her character that it is reminiscent of Keisha Castle-Hughes in Whale Rider. The entire cast brings such believability to their performances that audiences will forget theyāre even watching a film and believe theyāre immersed in the lives of their characters. This, in combination with the beautiful cinematography and gorgeous colors of India make it hard to imagine that this is the work of a student filmmaker and not an industry professional.
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