From Waiting Rooms to Global Stages: Suresh Triveni’s Razaa Heads to NYIFF

The landscape of Indian storytelling is shifting, and filmmaker Suresh Triveni—the man who gave us the heartwarming Tumhari Sulu and the gripping Jalsa—is at the forefront of this evolution. While fans are eagerly waiting for his next big feature, Maa Behen, Triveni is making waves internationally with a powerful short film titled Razaa.

Recently nominated for the prestigious New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) Razaais more than just a festival favorite; it is a profound exploration of choice, agency, and the often-unspoken friction between mothers and daughters.

The Story: A Room Full of Unspoken Words

Directed by Pooja Tolani, Razaa unfolds within the sterile, tense confines of a gynecologist’s waiting room. The film focuses on a mother and her daughter as they grapple with a decision that could alter their lives forever.

Unlike the typical portrayal of such relationships as purely sentimental,Razaa dives into the "visceral love and constant judgment" that often defines them. As director Pooja Tolani notes, mothers often express love through protection and morality, which can sometimes stifle a daughter’s own agency.The film captures this tug-of-war between generational expectations and individual choice.

A Stellar Team Behind the Scenes

Suresh Triveni, who produced the film alongside Radhika Sawhney, has always had a keen eye for "content-driven cinema." Speaking about the project, Triveni shared:

"The first time I heard the film from Pooja, I was very sure I wanted to make it... The accolades keep pouring, and the nomination at NYIFF has only made us prouder."

The film stars the incredible Geetanjali Kulkarni, whose presence adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the narrative. According to producer Radhika Sawhney, the production team went to great lengths to ensure the world of Razaa felt real—from the sound design to the specific visual tone of the waiting room.

The Road to NYIFF and Beyond

NYIFF isn't the first stop for Razaa. The film has already enjoyed an impressive run at:

• Chicago South Asian Film Festival

• Tasveer Film Festival

• IDSFFK (International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala)

• Yellowstone International Film Festival (where it secured multiple wins)

What’s Next: The Path to Maa Behen

The success of Razaa serves as a perfect thematic appetizer for Suresh Triveni’s upcoming feature, Maa Behen. Interestingly, both projects explore the complexities of female bonds.

While Razaa is a poignant short drama, Maa Behen is set to be a "one-of-a-kind" comedy-drama infused with action. Starring the legendary Madhuri Dixit and the rising powerhouse Triptii Dimri, Maa Behen follows a mother-daughter duo (and a sister!) who must team up to cover up a "crime" involving a dead body in their kitchen.

Conclusion

Whether it’s a short film set in a waiting room or a star-studded feature on a streaming platform, Suresh Triveni continues to prove that Indian cinema is at its best when it focuses on the nuances of human relationships. As Razaa prepares for its New York debut, it stands as a testament to the power of short-form storytelling and the universal resonance of the mother-daughter bond.