In the short film Calling, we meet Natalia, a fashion designer caught in the throes of fear and self-doubt. Her story, a rich tapestry of emotional conflict and creative struggle, unfolds as she fights to complete her masterpiece while grappling with paralyzing mental barriers. Directed by the multi-talented Rajj M Rao, Calling takes a deeply personal look at the inner turmoil many creatives face, brought to life through innovative storytelling and technical mastery. 
The Root of the Story
Rajj M Rao, a UAE-born award-winning filmmaker, actor, and acting coach, brings an intensely personal touch to Calling. In an interview, he shared how his own four-year journey through trauma shaped the film’s narrative.
“Much of the turmoil I portrayed was rooted in internal struggles amplified by external triggers,” Rajj explains. “Initially, I had no intention of translating this experience into a film. But once I emerged from it, I felt compelled to tell this story—to assure others facing similar battles that they are not alone.”
Natalia’s journey serves as a mirror to Rao’s own battles, offering audiences an intimate exploration of mental health, resilience, and the hurdles of self-expression.
Creating Natalia’s World
Although much of Natalia’s character traits quite resembled the lead actor Natalia, her struggles resonate universally, especially with those in creative professions.
“Natalia represents someone pursuing her passion while battling fear and self-doubt,” Rajj shares. “I integrated my friend Natalia’s real-life skills as a designer into the character to bring authenticity to the story.”
Through a blend of visual metaphors and emotional depth, Rajj crafts a world that feels both intensely personal and universally relatable. 
Visualizing Inner Turmoil
One of the most striking aspects of Calling is the way it visualizes Natalia’s subconscious. Rajj chose to give her inner voice a face—an expressionless, silent version of herself.
“The assumption that the voice in our head is us fascinates me,” Rajj explains. “By personifying Natalia’s subconscious, I highlighted how this chatter can overwhelm us.”
The use of monochrome and grainy visuals symbolizes Natalia’s mental confusion, while the gradual introduction of color mirrors her journey toward clarity and redemption. Sound design, from the hum of a vibrating phone to the pounding of a heartbeat, further immerses viewers in Natalia’s mind.
The Challenge of Time
Filming Calling presented unique challenges, particularly a tight 12-hour shooting schedule. Rajj embraced this constraint, using it as a driving force to enhance performances.
“We filmed 26 scenes in one location within 12 hours,” Rajj recalls. “I arranged the shots non-linearly to help the lead actor transition seamlessly between the character’s emotional states.”
This efficient approach fostered a strong connection between the cast and crew, resulting in a performance that feels raw and genuine.
Resonating with Audiences
The audience response to Calling has been overwhelmingly positive.
“During a private screening, viewers shared how they saw their own lives reflected on screen,” Rajj says. “Some even had personal breakthroughs after watching the film.”
The film has won over 20 international awards, including accolades for Best Editing and Best Sound Design, further cementing its impact.
A Storyteller’s Growth
For Rajj, Calling is more than just a film—it’s a testament to resilience.
“Completing this film felt impossible at times, but the dedication of my cast and crew inspired me to push forward,” he reflects. “Today, I’m proud not only of the film but also of the courage it took to share my story.”
With Calling, Rajj M Rao continues his tradition of crafting narratives that delve into the complexities of the human spirit. It’s a story that reminds us all of the strength it takes to confront our fears, embrace our passions, and ultimately, answer the call within.
