National Award-winning director Rajesh Touchriver of 'Na Bangaru Thalli' fame is happy that his social drama titled 'Raktham' (The Blood) is continuing to win accolades at international film festivals.

CROSSING THE SCREEN International Film Festival is the latest feather in its cap. "We are glad that 'Raktham' has made it at the festival. Ours is the only Indian film to have achieved this feat, and it's a matter of pride that the sole Indian film is a Telugu film. We have made this profound film with a passion for good cinema. Every artiste and technician has worked for free. We have been driven by the urge to do a meaningful drama, which is not the same as a regular commercial movie," Rajesh Touchriver says.

Starring Sanju Sivram and Madhu Shalini (in a deglam avatar) in lead roles, the film tells the troubled stories of a group of naxals. "It's a film about the ethical conflicts within the ideology of revolution. I was strongly inspired by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Albert Camus' 'Les Justes' in making the movie," the talented director tells.

"In Telugu, films dealing with serious, relevant topics are few and far between. In the past, Naraimsha Rao garu used to make such artistic movies. Neelakantha did a film. There haven't been many others doing artistic films," the director says.

Probe more and you find out that the subject touches upon the moral issues involved in choosing a violent path. "A group of political revolutionaries find themselves in a situation of internal conflict when they venture out to assassinate a union minister. Things seem to fall apart as they get closer to the goal," the director chips in.

Well-known character artiste Banjerjee has a key role, while Sana, Bindu, John Kottoly and Harish Chandra are playing other intense characters.

Shot in Hyderabad and Karimnagar, 'Raktham' is presented by social activist and Padma Shri-winner Sunitha Krishnan.

'Raktham' has been adjudged the winner at the 2017 Indie Gathering in Foreign Drama Feature segment.

About Rajesh Touchriver:

Born in Kerala, he was a student in London, where his journey as a filmmaker all began. His debut film 'In The Name of Buddha' (2002) on the ethnic crisis then raging in Sri Lanka won him highest critical acclaim.

Making documentaries and short films on such social issues as human trafficking, HIV/AIDS and communal riots has made Rajesh an activist whose filmmaking endeavours are a mission, not a profession. His films give a glimpse into his intellectual musings.

If 'Naa Bangaaru Talli' (2013) is his biggest claim to fame, 'Raktham' (2017) is even more promising in terms of technical output as well as writing.

Recently, keeping with his socially-conscientious style, Rajesh has announced a new film titled 'Nagali', which, as the name suggests, is a drama on farmers' plight.