New Delhi: In a historic moment for Indian cinema, 29-year-old student filmmaker Rhea Shukla has shattered barriers with her debut short film “RUSE”, securing a coveted nomination at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. Shukla, a second-year film student at New York’s Columbia University, has become the first Indian in nearly six decades to join the ranks of cinematic legends like Satyajit Ray at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals.
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A Dream Turned Reality
Hailing from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rhea Shukla’s journey to Berlin is nothing short of extraordinary. Last year, she enrolled at Columbia University to pursue her passion for storytelling. For her first-year project, Shukla chose to craft a deeply personal narrative set in Panchgani, Maharashtra. With minimal funds and a handpicked crew, she filmed “Ruse”—a poignant, dialogue-light story about three girls navigating the quiet turbulence of adolescence.
From Classroom to Global Stage
When Shukla submitted “Ruse” to her professors, they were stunned. Columbia’s faculty urged her to send the film to the Berlin Film Festival, calling it “a masterpiece in subtlety.” Within a week, the festival jury responded, praising the film’s “haunting beauty” and inviting Shukla to compete—a rare honor for a student filmmaker.
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Historic Company
Shukla’s nomination places her alongside icons of Indian cinema. Three Indian films have won top honors at Berlin, though only two Indians have received the accolade—Satyajit Ray, who won it twice with Mahanagar (1964) and Charulata (1965), and Nagesh Kukunoor with Dhanak (2015). Notably, Shukla is the first Indian student ever to earn this distinction.
The Silent Power of “RUSE”
The film follows three girls left alone at home one afternoon. Through playful interactions, shared glances, and fleeting gestures, they confront the uneasy transition from childhood to youth. With no traditional script, the film relies on visual poetry—a risk that paid off.
Global Premiere & Awards Buzz
“Ruse” will premiere at Berlin on February 19, with awards announced on February 22. The film competes in the Generation Kplus category, dedicated to young audiences. Industry insiders already tip it as a dark horse for the Crystal Bear, the festival’s top youth jury prize.
A New Chapter for Indian Cinema
Shukla’s triumph comes at a time when Indian filmmakers are gaining unprecedented global recognition. From RRR’s Oscar buzz to Payal Kapadia’s Cannes win, the world is turning into India’s creative renaissance.
As the world watches Berlin this week, one thing is clear: Rhea Shukla isn’t just a filmmaker to watch—she’s a symbol of India’s unstoppable new wave.
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