MAYA directed by YAKASIRI VISHAL VARDHAN

MAYA – My Journey Into a Story About Hope

When I first picked up a pen to write MAYA, I didn’t imagine it would become such an important milestone in my life. As an independent filmmaker making my debut, I wanted to create something honest—something that felt like a small slice of life, but carried enough warmth to linger. MAYA grew from that desire: a simple story about love, hope, and the unexpected ways people transform each other.

At the heart of the film are two characters who couldn’t be more different. Vissu—played by me—is a man weighed down by heartbreak and disappointments he hasn’t fully healed from. Then there’s Maya—bright, spontaneous, and full of life. When I imagined their first meeting in a quiet park, I was really thinking about how one small encounter can force you to rethink everything you believe about the world. That spark between them is what drives the story.

For me, the central question was always: What happens when two opposites collide?

That question became the seed from which the entire film grew.

The Challenges That Shaped Me

Shooting MAYA was an experience that pushed me far out of my comfort zone. Almost 95% of the film was shot at night, and with limited resources, lighting became our biggest hurdle. There were nights when the stress felt overwhelming, but somewhere in the chaos I learned how to manage people, adapt on the spot, and make the most of what we had.

I owe a lot to the team that helped bring this story to life. Rajini Chandra’s cinematography gave the film its visual soul, while Varun’s music added emotional layers I couldn’t have expressed myself. And Shika Media Works worked tirelessly on editing and DI to shape all our efforts into a cohesive, immersive film.

More Than Just My First Film

MAYA isn’t just a debut—it’s the beginning of my journey as a storyteller. Through this film, I wanted to explore a narrative style that felt fresh and intimate, something that could resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost and found light in another person.

At its core, MAYA is a reminder that hope often appears in the smallest, most unexpected moments. Sometimes a single encounter can shift your entire world—and that’s the feeling I wanted to capture.

This film changed me while I was making it, and I hope it touches everyone who watches it.