Maya

<p>Sanjay (Nikhil Yadav) and his cousin Maya (Nitya Shetty) are carefree 12-year-old village kids. They spend their days creating trouble, throwing rocks, and stealing sweets. They are gently scolded but loved by Sanjay’s mother (Mita Vasisht) and father (Anant Nag). Their life is idyllic and warm. But when Maya reaches and has her first period, everything changes in the space of just a few days. The family heads to the neighboring village of Maya’s parents to prepare for a mysterious ritual rape ceremony marking Maya’s transition to womanhood. Maya, who only dimly understands what is happening to her, is told that she is no longer a child and discouraged from her familiar play with Sanjay. Sanjay, with even less understanding, fights against the separation from his playmate and acts out, angering his father. Then, when the day of the ritual arrives, over the terrified protests of Sanjay, Maya is subjected to the trauma of ritual rape in the temple, which is truly shocking and horrible. The Film won international acclaim at the major film festivals it participated in. The music score by the America-based duo of Manesh Judge and Noor Lodhi won Critics Mention at the Flanders Film Festival in Belgium. The music also received an award in England and came in third behind John Williams’ score for , and ‘s . The movie was first runners-up in People’s Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival, one spot ahead of ‘s well known hit, .</p>