Rajesh Touchriver

Rajesh Touchriver (M. S. Rajesh) is an Indian filmmaker, production designer and scriptwriter. He has won several state awards, national and international awards for his feature films, documentaries and short films.[1][2] He worked with the National School of Drama, New Delhi as a designer in 1995. By the year 1998, he had directed more than 30 plays in Malayalam, English and Telugu languages. Rajesh won the Charles Wallace Trust Award in 2001 and pursued his master's degree in visual language/scenography and direction from the Wimbledon College of Art, London.[3]

Rajesh Touchriver
Born
Rajesh Touchriver

Idukki, Kerala, India
Occupationdirector, producer, designer, writer
Years active1997 – present
Websitewww.rajeshtouchriver.com

In 2002 he directed In the Name of Buddha which was later screened in the Spotlight on India section at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival.[4][5] In 2013, he directed Na Bangaaru Talli which won four Nandi awards (from the state of Andhra Pradesh),[6] the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu, Best Music Direction (Background Score), and five international awards.[7][8]

He has also served on the jury of 62nd National Film Awards, Govt. of India, 2014, ALIIF 2016, IIFF 2016, 65th National Film Awards, Govt. of India,2017, Filmfare awards 2017.

Early life

Rajesh Touchriver was born in Arakulam, Idukki district, Kerala, India as the youngest son of Mr Siva Sankaran Nair and Mrs Rukmini Amma. He had some early training in Kalaripayattu. He took his bachelor's degree in Design and Direction from the School of Drama and Fine Arts in 1992, Trissur, Kerala.

Film career

Rajesh's debut film In the Name of Buddha (2002) was premiered at the Oslo International Film Festival and won critical acclaim. Controversial in theme, the film is a treatment[9] of the ethnic conflict then raging in Sri Lanka. The film was screened at international film festivals in 2003 and won the Best Foreign Film award at the Beverly Hills International Film Festival, the Newport Beach International Film Festival and at the Wine Country International Film Festival in the same year.[2] Rajesh directed two Telugu films in the interim: 10 the Strangers and Alex, the Blue Fox.[10][11] In 2013, he directed the Malayalam film Ente. Its Telugu version "Naa Bangaaru Talli" won the national film award for the Best Feature Film in Telugu in 2013, Best Feature Film Award at the 2013 Trinity International Film Festival[12] and Film maker of the Year and Award of Excellence from IFFCRM, Indonesia in 2013,[13] and Nandi Awards 2013 from the Andhra Pradesh Government.

Documentaries and short films

Rajesh has made several short films and documentaries on human trafficking, HIV/AIDS and communal riots that support the media advocacy initiatives of the United Nations and NGOs, national and international. His film for the United Nations, One Life, No Price for social sensitisation against human trafficking was well received by civil society organisations internationally. Amitabh Bachchan, Preity Zinta and John Abraham appear in the film as spokespersons for the cause.[14]

Anamika, the Nameless on a similar theme which was shot in the red light areas of India in Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune and Delhi,[15] won the AC award under the "Best Foreign Award – Documentary Short Film" category[16] and the Best Documentary Film Award at the Hyderabad International Film Festival. The film has been included in the curriculum of National Police Academy and National Judicial Academy.[17]

The Sacred Face, a short film on child sexual abuse, sent the audience back home unsettled at its screening in Hyderabad.[18]

Music videos

Following the success of in the Name of Buddha, Rajesh directed the music video for "Sunshowers" for Maya Arulpragasam (M.I.A.). He directed "Ente Malayalam", for the Manorama Music channel to commemorate the 50th year of Kerala formation.

Feature films – screenplay & direction
  • In the Name of Buddha (150 mins, English/Sinhalese/Tamil/Hindi, 35mm anamorphic, 2002)
  • 10-The Strangers (125 mins, Telugu, Hindi, 35mm anamorphic, 2005)
  • Alex-The Blue Fox (160 mins, Telugu, 35 mm anamorphic, 2005)
  • Naa Bangaaru Talli (125 mins, Telugu, 35mm anamorphic, 2013)
  • Ente (125 mins, Malayalam, 35mm anamorphic, 2013)
  • Raktham – The Blood ( 123 mins, Telugu, 2019)
  • Patnagarh (135 mins, Telugu, 2019)
  • Patnagarh (135 mins, Odia, 2019)[14]

[15]

  • Cyanide (Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada)- 2020, Under preproduction

Short films – screenplay & direction
  • THE SILENT CRY (12 mins, English, 2017)
  • The Sacred Face (13 mins, English, 2006)
  • Pehachan (14 mins, Hindi, 2008)
  • Needalu (Shadows) (14 mins, Telugu, 2009)
  • Main Aur Meri Sachaien (13 mins, Hindi, 2009)

Documentaries – screenplay, direction, cinematography
  • SWARAKSHA – (20 mins, English, HD, 2017)
  • TO INFINITY AND BEYOND – Govt of Telangana & Govt of Andhra Pradesh(30 mins, English, HD, 2015)
  • Synergy in Action – (20 mins, English, HD, 2007)
  • One Life No Price – (9 mins, English, HD, 2007)
  • The Man, His Mission – (11 mins, English, DV, 2006)
  • Aparajitha – (26 mins, English, DV, 2006)
  • Anamika – The Nameless – (26 mins, English/Hindi/Telugu, Oriya, Kannada, DV, 2005)
  • Building Bridges – (11 mins, English, DV, 2004)
  • Me and Us – (24 mins, English, DV, 2004)
  • Agni – (34 mins, Hindi, DV, 2004)
  • Shanti Ki Aur – (30 mins, Hindi, DV, 2004)
  • A Chance to Live – (30 mins, English, DV, 2004)
  • Dahan – (34 mins, Hindi, DV, 2004)
  • Astha-An Ode to Life – (26 mins, English, DV, 2004)
  • Of Freedom and Fear – (30 mins, English/Telugu, DV, 2003)
  • Bhagnagar – (15 mins, Hindi, DV, 2003)

Music videos – screenplay, direction
  • "Sunshowers" for MIA XL Recording, London, UK (3 mins, English, Super 16 mm, 2004)
  • "Hire Fire" for Prajwala (music album containing six 4 mins songs against human trafficking, Hindi/Telugu, DV, 2004)[16]

Commercials – direction
  • Ente Malayalam – 50 yrs celebration of formation of Kerala state (2 mins, Malayalam, 35 mm, 2006) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYY3QV19gqg
  • Whose Child ? – (30 secs, Telugu, DV, 2004)
  • Why? – (30 secs, Telugu, DV, 2004)
  • Reach Out – (30 secs, Telugu, DV, 2004)

Feature films – production design
  • Quicksand – (English, 35mm, 2001)
  • Student #1 – (Telugu, 35mm, 2001)
  • Nuvvu Leka Nenu Lenu – (Telugu, 35mm, 2002)
  • Manasantha Nuvve – (Telugu, 35mm, 2001)
  • Iddaru Mitralu – (Telugu, 35mm, 1999)
  • Kalisundaam Raa – (Telugu, 35mm, 1999)

Awards

The Indie Gathering International Film Festival, Ohio, USA

  • Best Foreign Feature Film – RAKTHAM (The Blood) (2017)[19]
  • Best Cinematography – Ramathulasi RAKTHAM (The Blood) (2017)[19]
  • Best Overall Feature Film – Peoples Choice – RAKTHAM (The Blood) (2017)[19]

National Film Awards

Nandi Awards (Govt of Andhra Pradesh State Awards)

International Awards

  • Best actor Award LIFFT INDIA FILMOTSAV – 2019
  • Best Music – Background score Award LIFFT INDIA FILMOTSAV – 2019
  • Best director (Regional cinema) RAJASTHAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – 2018
  • Best foreign feature film Award - CROSSING THE SCREEN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2017
  • Best feature film- AUDIENCE AWARD – INDE GATHERING INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL- 2017
  • Best Film maker of the Year Award IFFCRM, Jakarta, Indonesia – 2013
  • Award of Excellence from IFFCRM, Indonesia – 2013[2]
  • Best Feature Film Award Trinity International Film Festival – 2013
  • Best Documentary Film Award Hyderabad International Film Festival – 2008
  • Best Editing Award Festival De Cine De Granada – 2007
  • Best Foreign Documentary film Award Action Cut International Film Festival 2006
  • Best outstanding Alumnus Award – School of Drama- 2003
  • Best Film Award Wine country International Film Festival- 2003
  • Best Film Award New port Beach International Film Festival – 2003
  • Best foreign film Award Beverly Hills International Film Festival- 2003
  • The Charles Wallace India Trust Award.- 2001[17][18]

Nominations
  • Best Original Screenplay of a Foreign Language film (RAKTHAM- THE BLOOD) – Madrid International Film Festival – 2018
  • Best Foreign Language Feature Film (NAA BANGAARU TALLI) – Madrid International Film Festival – 2018
  • Best Editing of a Foreign Language Feature Film (RAKTHAM – THE BLOOD) – Madrid International Film Festival -2018
  • Best Lead Actress in a Foreign Language Feature film (NAA BANGAARU TALLI) – Madrid International Film Festival -2018
  • Best Original Score of a Feature Film (RAKTHAM – THE BLOOD) – Madrid International Film Festival -2018
  • Best Feature Film (RAKTHAM – THE BLOOD) – The Indie Gathering International Film Festival, Ohio, USA – 2017
  • Best Director (RAKTHAM – THE BLOOD) – The Indie Gathering International Film Festival, Ohio, USA – 2017
  • Best Feature Lead Actor (RAKTHAM – THE BLOOD) – The Indie Gathering International Film Festival, Ohio, USA – 2017
  • Best Feature Lead Actress (RAKTHAM – THE BLOOD) – The Indie Gathering International Film Festival, Ohio, USA – 2017


Official Screenings
  • Madrid International Film Festival – 2018 (RAKTHAM- THE BLOOD)
  • Beijing International Film Festival, China – 2014
  • Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, USA – 2014
  • Indian Film Festival of Ireland – 2014
  • Asia Pacific Screen Awards – 2014
  • 20th Kolkata International Film Festival – 2014
  • Kolhapuri International Film Festival – 2014
  • Indian Film Festival of Cincinnati – 2014
  • Hyderabad Bengali Film Festival – 2014
  • Cinema of Resistance – Darpana, Ahmedabad – 2014
  • Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival – 2014
  • IFFK (International Film Festival of Kerala) – 2003
  • Festival of Festivals, St. Petersburg – 2003
  • Asian Film festival of Dallas – 2003
  • Human Rights Film Festival – 3 Continents – 2003
  • Durban International Film Festival – 2003
  • Oslo International Film Festival – 2002
  • Cannes International Film Festival – 2002

See also

References
  1. Trouble in paradise | Film | The Guardian
  2. The Hindu : Touch and go
  3. Real story in reel life – The Hindu
  4. "The Hindu : Touch and go".
  5. http://rrtd.nic.in/Film%20Bulletin-Apl03.htm
  6. http://wwwthetelugufilmnagar.com/2017/03/01/2013-nandi-awards-winnerslist/amp
  7. National Film Awards: And the winners are – IBNLive
  8. http://www.alllightsfilmmagazine.com/index.php/filmosphere/movies-more/news/777-indian-film-industry-proclaims-their-presence-loudly-in-iffsrv-and-iffcrm-2013
  9. "Trouble in paradise", Luke Harding, The Guardian, 8 May 2003
  10. 10 – The Strangers Telugu Movie – Preview, Trailers, Gallery, Review, Events, Synopsis
  11. CineGoer.com – Telugu Movie Reviews – Alex
  12. Trinity International Film Festival: 2013 AWARD WINNERS
  13. Winners of the International Film Festival for Comedy, Romance, and Musical
  14. UNODC and Bollywood unite against trafficking
  15. The Hindu : Life Thiruvananthapuram : Speaking out for the `nameless'
  16. Best film award for docu on sex trade – The Times of India
  17. http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=299172
  18. The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Documentary on incest shocks viewers
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