Janardhan Maharshi, a revered screenwriter and director known for numerous Telugu blockbusters, has taken a bold leap into uncharted territory with his upcoming project—Shloka, a full-length feature film performed entirely in Sanskrit. Maharshi, who has held a deep-seated love for the classical language since his days as a Sanskrit student, has now brought this passion to life on the silver screen. His new film aims to promote Sanskrit across the globe, a language often deemed as the mother of many modern languages but frequently neglected in mainstream media. His ambitious venture, conceived under Sarvejanah Sukhinobhavantu Films, is produced by none other than his daughters, Sravani and Sharvani.
“As someone who has always been captivated by the beauty and philosophical depth of Sanskrit, I’ve longed for an opportunity to create a film in this magnificent language,” said Maharshi. “The global promotion of Sanskrit through cinema is not only a personal aspiration but a cultural mission. It brings me immense joy to pioneer this path.”
Shloka explores a deeply philosophical storyline, presenting an intricate dialogue between Rudra Bhoomi—translated as the graveyard—and a woman named Sloka. Maharshi described the film as a profound “heart-to-heart” conversation between Prakruthi (Nature) and Aakruthi (form). In this narrative, the graveyard adopts an ascetic outlook towards the current state of the world, channeling its introspections and emotional currents through Sloka’s music. “It’s an ethereal interaction, where the voice of Rudra Bhoomi melds seamlessly with Sloka’s evocative tunes, creating a cinematic experience unlike any other,” elaborated Maharshi.
To reveal the first look of this monumental project, the director chose the symbolic date of Teacher’s Day, September 5th—a tribute to educators who impart the wisdom of Sanskrit. Maharshi has especially dedicated the film to his Sanskrit teachers, acknowledging their significant influence on his journey.
“The pivotal scenes set in Rudra Bhoomi were filmed over various schedules in the culturally rich locations of Bengaluru and Mysuru, ensuring authenticity to the narrative,” Maharshi shared.
. The elaborate sequences were not confined to these cities alone; additional critical scenes with Ragini Dwivedi, who plays the lead role, spanned numerous ancient graveyards across India. Maharshi acknowledged the substantial interventions and logistical challenges in shooting in such unique locations, emphasizing the effort required by his dedicated crew.
Shloka isn’t a solo endeavor for Maharshi; it’s a collaborative masterpiece featuring a stellar cast and crew. Aside from the charismatic Ragini Dwivedi, the film stars notable actors such as Tanikella Bharani, Vajreshwari Kumar, Jack Manju, Surappa Babu, Aditya, Badri Divya Bhushan, and Sandeep Malani. Maharshi’s multitasking prowess comes to the forefront as he not only writes and directs the film but also scores its music. His trusted team includes co-director Siva Subrahmanyam, cinematographer Siiva Mallala, and editor Shyam Vadavalli, all of whom have been instrumental in bringing Maharshi’s vision to life.
Currently, Shloka is in the post-production phase, with anticipation building around its eventual release. Maharshi has already announced plans to dub the film into various languages, broadening its reach beyond Sanskrit scholars to a global audience. “Our endeavor is to break the barriers and make ancient wisdom accessible and appreciated by the modern world,” he articulated.
The film’s release date is yet to be officially announced, but the excitement in the air is palpable. Shloka’s trailer promises an evocative, thought-provoking experience that blends cinematic beauty with spiritual depth, setting new benchmarks in the world of storytelling.
As the anticipation for Shloka builds, Maharshi’s pioneering effort stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to cultural preservation and innovation. With this ambitious project, he hopes to ignite a renewed interest in Sanskrit, ensuring that this ancient language finds its rightful place in contemporary cinematic narratives.
