Biography

Rajesh Touchriver is an internationally esteemed, multifaceted filmmaker, screenwriter, and theatre director. His powerful, issue-driven works, spanning six languages (English, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, and Tamil), have been officially represented in over 20 countries and secured exceptional global success, boasting 52 International Awards, 9 Nominations, and 25 Official Selections across prestigious film festivals worldwide. With a comprehensive directorial portfolio that includes 11 Feature Film titles (released and in pre-production), 5 Short Films, and 16 Documentaries, he is widely recognised as the 'Conscience of Indian Cinema.' His narratives boldly explore complex socio-political realities, consistently blending sharp realism with deep empathy.

Controversial Debut: In the Name of Buddha (2002)

His British debut film, ‘In the Name of Buddha’, based upon the ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka, premiered at the Oslo International Film Festival. The film was highly noted for the sensitive treatment of a controversial theme and was nominated for the Best Debut Director category at the Cannes Film Festival. Despite the unprecedented banning of the film in India, Sri Lanka, and China, it garnered 8 international awards.

Social Advocacy and Documentary Impact

Touchriver is deeply committed to social advocacy, having leveraged his craft to direct 16 detailed documentaries and 5 short fiction films on critical issues such as human trafficking, HIV/AIDS, and communal riots for the United Nations, various NGOs, and production houses including his own banner, Sun Touch Productions.

Industry Leadership and Academic Roles

Widely recognised as an authority in cinema, Rajesh Touchriver has held numerous influential positions on esteemed panels and academic boards:

Jury Service

  • Central Panel Jury Member, National Film Awards, Govt. of India (62nd - 2014, 65th - 2017, 70th - 2024).
  • Oscar Awards Official Selection, India (2022).
  • FilmFare Awards (2017) and various International Festivals (ALIIF, IIFF, LIFFT INDIA FILMOTSAV).

Teaching and Academic Boards

  • Academic Board Member of SAE International and SAE India (2003-2008).
  • He has lectured on Design & Direction at the University of Hyderabad, Film & Theatre Costume Designing at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), and Visual Language/Scenography at the School of Drama, University of Calicut.

Academic Excellence and Formative Years

Touchriver’s rigorous directorial style is rooted in a strong foundation in visual and dramatic arts, cultivated across India and the UK:

  • MA, VISUAL LANGUAGE/SCENOGRAPHY & DIRECTION (2001): University of the Arts London, Wimbledon College of Arts, UK. He was the recipient of the prestigious Charles Wallace India Trust Award to pursue his Master's programme.
  • BTA - DIRECTION (1993): School of Drama, University of Calicut.
  • Diploma in Animation Film Making (1996): ZICA (Zed Institute of Creative Arts).

His career commenced in the theatre, where he directed over 30 plays in Malayalam, English, Telugu, and Hindi, prior to transitioning into film as a Production Designer for Indian and Hollywood features.

Filmmaking Milestones: National and International Acclaim

Touchriver’s filmography is marked by projects that are both critically resonant and commercially daring, often addressing subjects of systemic neglect.

The Naa Bangaaru Talli Triumph (2013)

The Telugu feature ‘Naa Bangaaru Talli’, which he both scripted and directed, stands as a monumental cinematic achievement, securing:

  • 3 National Film Awards from the Government of India (including Best Feature Film in Telugu).
  • 4 Nandi Awards (Andhra Pradesh state film awards).
  • 13 International Awards and 15 Official Selections, solidifying its global footprint.

Latest Global Success: DAHINI - THE WITCH (2023)

His recent feature, ‘DAHINI - THE WITCH’, focusing on the heinous practice of witch-hunting, continues his legacy of success, securing multiple top honours:

  • Best International Feature Film at the Swedish International Film Festival (2022).
  • Best Feature Film at the Titan International Film Festival, Sydney (2022).
  • Multiple acting and directing honours at Norgs International Independent Film Festival, Iran (2023).
  • Award-Winning Documentary: His groundbreaking documentary ‘Anamika, the Nameless’, adventurously shot in India’s red light areas, received major recognition, including the Best Foreign Documentary Film Award (Action Cut International Film Festival, 2006) and the Best Documentary Film Award (Hyderabad International Film Festival, 2008).
  • Curriculum Inclusion: Due to its immense social relevance, Anamika, the Nameless has been included in the curriculum of the National Police Academy and the National Judicial Academy.
  • Star Collaborations: He directed the social sensitisation film ‘One Life, No Price’ (against human trafficking), featuring spokespersons like Amitabh Bachchan, Preity Zinta, and John Abraham.
  • Mentorship: He conceptualised and conducted the transformative 'SWAERO STARS' filmmaking camp, mentoring students from marginalised communities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in the art of filmmaking.

Diverse Projects and Commercial Work

Touchriver’s creative reach extends across diverse media platforms:

  • M.I.A.'s Debut Music Video: He directed the music video for acclaimed Oscar-nominated artist M.I.A. (Maya Arulpragasam)'s seminal track 'Sunshowers', which holds the significant distinction of being M.I.A.'s first professional music video.
  • Cultural Celebrations: He scripted and directed the music video ‘Ente Malayalam’, a celebration of the 50th year of Kerala's formation, which was produced by Malayala Manorama.
  • Commercial Directing: His commercial work includes short PSA films and commercials (Whose Child?, Why?, Reach Out), alongside designing news studios for the TV9 network.

Versatility in Craft

Touchriver's expertise extends beyond direction. His credits include:

  • Foundational Contribution to Telugu Cinema: As a leading Art Director in the late 1990s, he contributed significantly to major Telugu blockbusters, including direct collaborations with Megastar Chiranjeevi on films such as Master and Bawagaaru Bagunnara.
  • Production Design: Featured in films such as Quicksand (Hollywood), Premaya namaha, and Student #1.
  • Studio Designing: Designed news studios for the TV9 network across Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai.
  • Costume Design: Served with the National School of Drama Repertory Company (1995).

Artistic Vision

  • Social Realism: His narratives rely on intensive field work, ensuring the experiences of marginalised communities are presented with dignity and accuracy.
  • Emotional Depth: He focuses on the intense emotional landscape of characters struggling against overwhelming crises, placing emphasis on human resilience and survival.
  • Visual Aesthetics: He favours controlled, often austere cinematography that underscores the isolation or intensity of his characters' journeys.