Private Premiere Reveals Artistic Blend of Bharatanatyam Dance and Film for EreshA
On the evening of May 21st, the Art Centrix Space in Vasant Kunj was graced with an intimate and evocative screening of the latest masterpiece, "A Song for ERESHA." The cinematic creation, helmed by the acclaimed Bharatanatyam exponent Savitha Sastry and award-winning director AK Srikanth, drew a discerning crowd, which included members of the media, cultural influencers, and representatives from the film and performing arts fraternity.
"A Song for ERESHA," set for a theatrical and OTT release across the United States, UK, and Canada in August 2025, followed by a release in India, is a groundbreaking production that skillfully intertwines classical Indian dance with profound narrative storytelling. The film chronicles Eresha, the revered head of a prestigious arts institute, who encounters an unanticipated romantic attachment, giving rise to a dramatic unraveling of the institution she brought to life and her inner world.
Inspired by the cinematic styles of masters like Satyajit Ray and Balu Mahendra, the film is masterfully portrayed as "poetry in motion." Savitha Sastry, in the eponymous role, is in the star-studded cast that boasts a predominantly female ensemble, featuring over a hundred classical dancers from various regions of India. Also, featuring compelling performances by Mekha Rajan and Arshya Lakshman in key roles, the film marks the acting debut of Bengali actress Mayurakshi Sen.
Elevating the immersive experience are evocative soundtracks composed by Abhay Nayampally, a Grammy nominee and the protégé of the legendary Mandolin U. Srinivas. The melodious score is derived from Nayampally's collaborative work with global musicians, such as Tom Schuman of Spyro Gyra.
Directed and written by AK Srikanth, the creator of acclaimed works "Slow Rivers" and "Colors: White," "A Song for ERESHA" serves as a cinematic ode to the expressive power of Indian classical arts, both on stage and on screen.
As director AK Srikanth elucidated, "A Song for Eresha is more about human emotions than art or artists." This intensely emotional production covers a wide spectrum of feelings, from the triumphant euphoria to the bitter regret, and the delicate equilibrium between light and darkness, logic, and emotion. Srikanth envisioned the film as visual poetry, brought to life by a supremely talented cast and crew, aiming to reassert the importance of powerful storytelling in cinema.
Regarding her role, Savitha Sastry expressed, "Playing Eresha offered one of the most exhilarating challenges of my career, pushing me to delve into emotional territories seldom explored on screen."
The preview screening was met with resounding applause, sparking thoughtful discussions among attendees about the film's emotional resonance, artful execution, and cultural significance. "A Song for ERESHA" not only reaffirms Savitha Sastry and AK Srikanth's commitment to pushing the boundaries of Bharatanatyam, but also heralds a bold step in reimagining traditional Indian art forms for a global audience. As the film prepares for its international release, it aims to leave a lasting impact on both the classical arts and indie cinema landscapes.
- The preview screening of "A Song for ERESHA" attracted a discerning crowd from the realm of movies-and-tv, entertainment, and the art fraternity, confirming its potential to have a significant impact on the cinema industry.
- "A Song for ERESHA," set for an international release, is poised to competition for several awards in the realm of movies-and-tv, entertainment, and classical arts, given its groundbreaking intertwining of Indian dance with narrative storytelling.
