Ganga Rudraiah

Ganga Rudraiah is a PhD candidate at the Cinema Studies Institute. Her dissertation project makes an intervention in the field of Indian film studies by presenting a phenomenological reading of the masala film form—particularly of the South Indian variety—to uncover the value of song and dance for new theories of cinematic movement, virtuality, and desire. Her research interests also include vernacular metaphysics and decolonization, cinematic formations of romance and erotica, Sangam poetics, Dravidian aesthetics/ethics, film stars and cine-politics, music videos, and reality television. In addition to academic pursuits, Rudraiah works closely with DJs and musicians to produce live visual performances (VJ-ing); her video art has been showcased at Serendipity Arts Festival (Goa), Luminato Festival (Toronto), Discostan (Los Angeles), Shango (Toronto), and Kannadi Cupboard Gallery (Madras). Originally from Tamil Nadu, she has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Madras. She also holds a Master’s in Film Studies from Western University (Canada).

Awards:

• 2020-2022 – SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship

Courses Taught

• CIN360H1F - Love and Desire in Indian Cinemas (Fall 2020)
• CIN381H1F - Love, Desire, and Cinema in the Indian Subcontinent (Fall 2022)
• CIN301H5F - Film and Music in the Indian Subcontinent (Fall 2024)
• CIN381H1S - Love, Desire, and Cinema in the Indian Subcontinent (Winter 2025)