Roopa Rayappa stars in the Kannada short film Maharshi Valmiki, a 21-minute exploration of transformation that draws from the life of the sage believed to have authored the Ramayana, while placing its emotional core in a contemporary frame.

“From Ratnakara to Valmiki, it’s a story of change,” summarises Roopa about the film, which revisits the story of Ratnakara, the bandit who, guided by sages, becomes Maharshi Valmiki. But the makers focus on a defining moment, when Valmiki witnesses the death of a krauncha (crane) bird, an incident believed to have inspired the Ramayana. “That emotion, that spark, is what we wanted to explore,” the team says.

Directed by Praveen Shivanna and produced by Ratna Das, the film was released around Ram Navami. “This is my first short film as a director,” says Praveen. “With the support of the team, it has come together well.” Shot in and around Chikkamagaluru, the film leans on mood and landscape to ground its narrative.

Actor Sujith Shetty, who plays Valmiki, draws a personal parallel. “It took me 14 years to arrive here as an actor. It feels fitting that it happened through this story,” he says, adding that working with senior actor Shivamani was a rewarding experience.

Roopa anchors the film’s emotional core with a restrained performance. “There’s a quiet strength to it. It’s about reflection and what it takes to change,” she says.

With cinematography by Thanvik and music by Ramanujan, Maharshi Valmiki keeps its scale intimate, focusing on guilt, self-reflection and the search for clarity.