Janardhan Maharshi, a distinguished screenwriter and director known for his impactful work in Telugu cinema, has recently unveiled the first look of his pioneering new film, a Sanskrit production titled ‘Shloka’. This unique project is produced under the banner of Sarvejanah Sukhinobhavantu Films by the creative duo of Maharshi’s daughters, Sravani and Sharvani. Starring the talented actress Ragini Dwivedi in the lead role, ‘Shloka’ promises to be a cinematic experience like no other.
“As a long-time student and passionate enthusiast of Sanskrit, I have always dreamed of creating a film entirely in this ancient and fascinating language,” Maharshi shared with evident enthusiasm. “Given the opportunity now, I am exceptionally eager to bring this vision to life. My goal is to promote the Sanskrit language on a global scale through cinema, showing its beauty and depth to audiences worldwide.”
The narrative of ‘Shloka’ captures a profound philosophical dialogue that intersects between Rudra Bhoomi (the graveyard) and a woman named Sloka. Maharshi explains, “This film delves deep into a heart-to-heart exchange between Prakruthi (Nature) and Aakruthi (form). The graveyard, reflecting an ascetic perspective on the contemporary world, expresses its contemplations through Sloka’s musical renditions.”
Timed to make a significant cultural impact, the first look of the film was revealed on Teacher’s Day, September 5, aligning with Maharshi’s dedication of ‘Shloka’ to Sanskrit teachers. This gesture underscores the director’s respect and admiration for educators who have preserved and passed on the knowledge of this classical language.
Filming ‘Shloka’ presented unique challenges and required meticulous planning, particularly for the crucial scenes set in graveyards. “We have filmed these essential ‘Rudra Bhoomi’ sequences during various schedules in Bengaluru and Mysuru. Some of the iconic scenes involving Ragini were shot in ancient graveyards scattered across the country. It was a physically and logistically demanding task to shoot in these antique cemeteries,” Maharshi elaborated.
In addition to featuring Ragini Dwivedi, ‘Shloka’ boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Tanikella Bharani, Vajreshwari Kumar, Jack Manju, Surappa Babu, Aditya, Badri Divya Bhushan, Sandeep Malani, and several others.
. This diverse cast aids in bringing the rich textures of the story to life, each contributing uniquely to the narrative tapestry.
Janardhan Maharshi has not limited his involvement to merely directing and screenwriting the film; he has also ventured into composing the film’s musical score. This multidisciplinary approach emphasizes his commitment and multifaceted talent. Key members of the production team include co-director Siva Subrahmanyam, whose collaboration has been pivotal, cinematographer Siiva Mallala, who has captured the visual essence of the film, and editor Shyam Vadavalli, responsible for piecing together this intricate story.
Currently, ‘Shloka’ is in its post-production phase, where the final touches are being meticulously applied. The film will be dubbed into several different languages to ensure it reaches a broader audience. However, the love for Sanskrit remains at its core, and Maharshi hopes that viewers will appreciate the original linguistic artistry.
The anticipation surrounding the film’s release is palpable, with the date set to be announced soon. This is expected to be a landmark moment in cinema, given the rarity of Sanskrit films in contemporary filmmaking. Not only does this venture represent an artistic endeavor, but it also serves as a cultural renaissance, aiming to reignite and celebrate the ancient wisdom encapsulated in the Sanskrit language.
As we await the release of ‘Shloka’, there is an undeniable air of curiosity and excitement. This project is not just about reviving an ancient language; it’s about bridging past and present, bringing timeless philosophies to the forefront of modern conversation. Maharshi’s initiative could potentially pave the way for more such creative ventures in the future, contributing significantly to the cultural heritage and linguistic diversity of global cinema.
In conclusion, ‘Shloka’ is poised to be a cinematic milestone, enriching the film industry and audience’s experience while fostering an appreciation for one of the world’s oldest languages. It’s a testament to Janardhan Maharshi’s vision and dedication, promising a unique, thoughtful, and inspiring journey through the lens of Sanskrit.
