Indian director to mark his debut at Cannes Film Festival

Rajesh Rathi's English feature film 'Desires of the Heart' is going to be screened during the 67th 'Cannes Film Festival''

Mumbai-based Indian film director Rajesh Rathi's English feature film 'Desires of the Heart' is going to be screened during the 67th edition of the prestigious 'Cannes Film Festival' (14-25 May) in France on 17th May 2014.

This film starring Val Lauren, Alicia Minshew, Gulshan Grover, Archanaa Guptaa, Ankit Bhardwaj etc is written and produced by Odisha-born Solila Parida, who lives in New York.

Rathi was associate director to late film maker Jagmohan Mundhra. Besides, he has directed over 30 telefilms, ad films, docu dramas and Short films.

Making a mark on the International scene with his silver screen debut is indeed a big achievement for him.

The film has already received 'Best Foreign Film' award at 'LA Femme International Film Festival' in Los Angeles. It also received critical acclaim in 'Sedona International Film Festival' and 'Macon Film Festival' in USA.

Although the complete post production of the film was done in America, Rathi has recently recorded some background score for selected scenes in Mumbai with Udbhav Ojha especially for Cannes. Umesh Tarkaswar has also recorded a folk music for the film.

Tim Gill, the DoP is from US and Jitendra Mishra, the Associate Producer is from Delhi.

'Desires of the Heart' is a love story which begins in America and culminates in India. It has an interesting suspense element woven in the story. There are also important scenes in the film dated back 180 years in India.

Almost 60 per cent of the film has been shot in Rajasthan, and has been directed by Rathi. It was very challenging for him to shoot the Indian portion of the film in a 20 days tight schedule with a mix cast and crew.

After an impressive start in Hollywood, Rathi has big hopes in Bollywood too.