INDULEKHA – Eight shades of Longing- First ever Dance based Short film on Ashtanāyikās

First ever Dance based Short film on Ashtanāyikās- INDULEKHA is a 10-minute short film inspired by the traditional Dance concept of the Aṣṭa nāyikas, drawing from the learnings of the Nāyikāntaranga certification course – curated by Dr. Dwaritha Viswanatha. The film presents a nuanced exploration of the emotional landscape of a woman in love, expressed through the eight states of the nāyika. The narrative follows a woman who is repeatedly visited in her dreams by a mysterious man, whose presence lingers within. When she finally encounters him in reality, their connection blossoms into a deep attraction. However, as love intensifies, so does vulnerability. A moment of doubt leads her to suspect his fidelity, resulting in conflict and eventual separation. In his absence, she undergoes a profound emotional journey- moving through longing, regret and introspection. As she recognizes her mistake, the pain of separation transforms her understanding of love. Unable to bear the distance, she sends her sakhi as a messenger of reconciliation. The film concludes with his return, marking a quiet yet powerful reunion. Their love, now tempered by experience, evolves into one of trust, surrender, and emotional harmony. This work is an earnest attempt to weave all eight nāyikā avasthās into a single, cohesive narrative.

This short film is released As part of the celebration of two glorious decades of Noopura Bhramari, in the grand event called Deśi Kalā Sampada (A day-long Symposium on Indian Deśi dance & a culmination of Shodha Bhramari National-level Institutional internship) featuring Study based Paper presentations by interns, Exhibition and Sale of Creative Work, Special issue -Nāyikāloka release & Deśi Nartana Prastuti.

Conceived and performed by

Smt Ananda Urja, Intern – Nayikāntaranga course| internship

Guided by

Dr. Manorama BN, Principal Investigator

Produced by

Noopura Bhramari IKS Centre.

Cinematography:

Arun Koothaduth

Music:

Vid. Balasubramaniam Sharma,

Vid. Venugopal and

Shastro Rodella.

Production manager:

S H Yagneshwara Kamath.

Casting:

Vid. Swamy and Gagana H, alongside the Ananda Urja.