Set in rural South India, Vanaja explores the chasm that divides classes as a young girl struggles to come of age. Vanaja (Mamatha Bhukya) is the 14 year-old daughter of a poor, low caste fisherman, who goes to work in the house of the local landlady, Rama Devi (Urmila Dammannagari), in hopes of learning Kuchipudi dance while earning a keep.

Vanaja excels at the art, and seems to be on a steadily ascending path when Shekhar (Karan Singh), Rama Devi’s 23 year old son – handsome, muscular and rather insecure, returns from the US. Sexual chemistry is ignited between Shekhar and Vanaja (still a minor at 15). But, the situation suddenly turns ugly when matters escalate, spiraling downwards and she is pitched into a tale of class, family and animus from which there is only one escape.

15 March, ICA 8 p.m.

Full: £8.00 Concession: £7.00 Members: £6.00
(India/USA 2006)
Language: Telugu, English subtitles
Runtime: 111 minutes
Director: Rajnesh Domalpalli
Cast: Mamatha Bhukya, Urmila Dammannagari, Ramachandriah Marikanti, Krishnamma Gundimalla, Karan Singh