December 26th, 2024 , Hyderabad, india Once upon a time, Ravikumar Nasu’s world was filled with lines of code, debugging sessions, and the relentless pace of Silicon Valley’s tech culture. Today, his world is made of scripts, cameras, and the call of “Action!” echoing across sets thousands of miles from his hometown of Hyderabad. His career shift isn’t just a change of profession—it’s the story of a dream that refused to stay dormant.
Nasu first stepped into the filmmaking spotlight with UNLOAD 2021, a tense pandemic thriller shot in Los Angeles. Released on Amazon Prime in early 2023, the indie film told The story of a desperate father caught in a web of family scams. Critics hailed its raw performances and “human-first storytelling,” cementing Nasu as a new filmmaker with a distinctive voice.
Now, he’s back with his second feature, Padamati Sandhya Ragam. Bigger in scale and vision, the film weaves together love, suspicion, and betrayal in a story that crosses borders—bringing Indian traditions into dialogue with American realities.
A Sacred Beginning in Virginia
The film didn’t open with the snap of a clapperboard but with prayers. On August 29, 2024, the cast and crew gathered at a Virginia temple for a traditional pooja ceremony. Sacred lamps were lit, coconuts were offered, and mantras filled the air as blessings were sought for the journey ahead.
“Carrying our traditions here in America gives me strength,” Nasu reflected. “The pooja wasn’t just symbolic—it gave us the emotional grounding to begin this journey together.”
For many American cast members, it was their first encounter with such rituals. “I’d never seen a film start this way,” one actor remarked. “It made me feel like we were entering something larger than a production—it felt like family.”
Virginia as a Storytelling Partner
Cinematographer Sai Kiran Ayinampudi called it a gift: “The natural light here is extraordinary. Every shot feels painterly. Virginia has a cinematic character you simply can’t replicate on a soundstage.”
For Nasu, Virginia is more than a location. It’s a character in itself. “We wanted the setting to reflect the emotional tone of the story. Virginia’s diversity of landscapes makes that possible.”
A Team Fueled by Unity
The scale of the project is ambitious, but the spirit on set keeps it alive. “The local community here has been incredible,” Nasu shared. “People went out of their way to help us meet our schedule.”
Assistant Director Padma Vayuvegula described the cultural mix: “This film feels like a true bridge. Indian and American actors are learning from each other, adapting to different working styles. It’s rare and inspiring to watch.”
Even supporting cast members felt the difference. “I’ve done indie films before,” one American actor noted, “but this is different. The traditions, the emotional weight, and the Virginia atmosphere make it feel unique.”
More Than a Film, A Statement
For Nasu, this project is proof that traditions and dreams can travel across oceans. “I started in Hyderabad, built a career in Silicon Valley, and now I’m telling stories in America,” he said. “This journey proves that distance doesn’t weaken dreams. It strengthens them.”
As production advances, anticipation is building for a story that promises to deliver love, betrayal, and resilience on a truly global stage.
What’s Next: Desi Boys
Even as Padamati Sandhya Ragam moves toward completion, Nasu is already preparing for his third feature, Desi Boys. With this project, he aims to push his global storytelling mission further.
“I want to create films that are immersive and emotional but still reflect my cultural roots,” he explained. From Hyderabad to Hollywood, and now to Virginia, Nasu’s fearless pursuit of cinema is inspiring a new wave of filmmakers to think globally while staying true to their origins.