Nashik: From the small villages of Maharashtra to the evolving landscape of Indian animation cinema, filmmaker and animation professor Rajendra Vasant Khairnar has transformed years of struggle, creativity, and passion into a landmark cinematic achievement. In an era dominated by commercial entertainment, his latest film carries a deeply human message — that art can become a voice for social change, and animation can tell stories powerful enough to inspire generations.
In a significant development for Indian cinema, Rajendra Vasant Khairnar, with the support of his brother-like friend and creative collaborator Ketan Madhukar Deore, has released what is being described as India’s first graphic animation biopic short film.
Khairnar’s fascination with storytelling and performance began in childhood. Growing up in a small village in Maharashtra during the 1980s, he was deeply inspired by television serials such as Ramayan and Mahabharat. After watching each episode, he would gather children from the village streets and recreate scenes from the epics through improvised plays, often performing major roles himself.
At the time, his family did not own a television set, and there was no theatre in the village. A few years later, a small video theatre opened nearby where films were screened through a VCR connected to a television. His elder siblings would occasionally take him along to watch films, and the experience left a lasting impact on him. Watching actors, songs, dance performances, and dramatic storytelling introduced him to what he describes as the “magical world of cinema.”
One of the earliest songs he remembers watching was the popular Bollywood number “Main Kya Karoon Ram, Mujhe Buddha Mil Gaya.” Fascinated by the music and performances, he began dancing and acting from a very young age. “I would always tell my friends that one day I would become a filmmaker,” he recalled.
He frequently organised small performances based on Ramayan and Mahabharat with local children. Since nobody was willing to perform the female roles of Sita or Draupadi, he would often perform those characters himself to keep the plays going. According to Khairnar, his interest in acting came naturally from his father, who had also performed in village plays, although no recordings or photographs of those performances exist today.
As he grew older, his curiosity about cinema and visual storytelling intensified. Using discarded film strips, mirrors, household lights, and magnifying glasses, he created a handmade “jugaad” projector to display images on walls inside his home. These early experiments with light, movement, and storytelling eventually laid the foundation for his journey into animation and filmmaking.
Produced and animated in Nashik with the support of local artists and technicians, the film narrates the inspiring life story of a woman from a nomadic tribe in Rajasthan who rises above social discrimination, hardship, and traditional barriers to become an internationally recognised artist. The narrative highlights important social themes including women’s empowerment, female education, gender equality, and the fight against female feticide.
According to the filmmakers, the project was completed entirely through personal effort and dedication, without corporate sponsorship or financial backing from production houses. “This film was created through our own salaries, savings, and belief in meaningful storytelling,” the creators said.
The short film has been developed using handmade digital drawings and painted animation techniques, giving it a unique visual identity rarely seen in Indian animated productions. The creators said the artistic approach was designed to preserve emotional depth and cultural authenticity.
The film also features three original songs composed by Aditya Matkar, adding emotional richness to the storytelling. Beyond its social themes, the filmmakers hope the story will inspire young dreamers, artists, and individuals facing challenges to pursue their goals with courage and determination.
The project received encouragement and support from renowned Kalbelia folk artist Gulabo Sapera and singer-actor Ila Arun.
The creative team behind the project includes Tejas Sugandhi, Mayur Bhagat, Rohit Shewkar, Utkarsh Wagh, Harshal Khairnar, Samruddhi Kulkarni, Shweta Muley, Nikhil Jadhav, Gayatri Tibhe, Kinjal Patil, and Akhilesh Patil. The voice and acting cast features Pradnya Pawar, Divisha Deore, Sangita Khairnar, Punam Khairnar, Omkar Sanap, Mayara Khairnar, Prem Khairnar, Nilam Chaudhari, Amit Khandare, Arsha Pillai, Jijabai Khairnar, and Gayatri Khairnar.
The film was released on April 30, 2025, on the Ketraj Fine Art Gallery YouTube Channel. More information about the project is available on the official website and Instagram page @ketraj_gallery.
Blending emotional storytelling, innovative animation techniques, and a powerful social message, the film aspires to become a milestone in Indian animation cinema while spreading awareness about the importance of saving, educating, and respecting women.
Source: Press release
