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Designed by Preeti to premiere at Montreals South Asian Film Festival in 2025
Designed by Preeti is a compelling and heartfelt romantic drama about Preeti Kumar, a resilient woman in her 50s who courageously escapes an oppressive and unfaithful marriage.
A scene from the movie Designed by Preeti. / Rashmi Rustagi
Written and produced by Silicon Valley resident Rashmi Rustagi, ‘Designed by Preeti’ will be screened at the prestigious South Asian Film Festival of Montreal (SAFFM) in April 2025.
SAFFM, an annual event celebrating South Asian and diaspora films, provides a global platform for showcasing this powerful independent film. Following its first private screening on Dec.7, the movie is set to captivate international audiences.
Rustagi, a celebrated Bay Area filmmaker, wears multiple hats in this project—writing, producing, and acting in the film. Reflecting on the journey, she shared, “Over the past 10 months, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail shines and the story is told in the most compelling way possible.”
“A special shoutout goes to our talented director, Gayatri Bajpai, for her incredible vision and dedication to bringing this project to life. Kudos to her for seeing it through with such passion and precision,” she said.
Poster of the film. / Rashmi RustagiThe journey to shape the film into its ideal 90-minute runtime was a challenging one, requiring months of meticulous editing, Rustagi revealed adding that some incredible scenes had to be omitted.
A Story of Resilience and Transformation
*Designed by Preeti* delves into the hidden struggles within a seemingly affluent Bay Area family. Within the first ten minutes, viewers learn that all is not as perfect as it seems. The story takes a shocking turn during Preeti’s birthday party, when her husband gifts her a diamond necklace—only to slap her later for confronting him about bringing his mistress to their home. “You brought her into our home,” Preeti tells him, a quiet yet defiant act that sets the stage for her journey of self-discovery.
“This film is more than a story—it’s a call for empathy, empowerment, and transformation,” said director Gayatri Everitt Bajpai, an award-winning filmmaker with an MFA in directing from UCLA. Bajpai’s artistic choices reflect Preeti’s evolution, as the visuals shift from oppressive shadows to warm, vibrant tones, symbolizing her growth. Tanya Momi’s evocative paintings, featured in the film, underscore Preeti’s inner turmoil and eventual liberation.
A Labor of Love
The film’s production was spearheaded by a team of South Asian women, a testament to their collective passion and resilience. Producers Arati Misro, Priyanka Paranjape, and Tanya Momi played crucial roles in bringing the project to life.
Misro, recognized by President Obama for her contributions to the Los Angeles film community, brought her expertise in programming and event production. Paranjape, a Mumbai native and San Francisco resident, lent her storytelling skills honed through her work on the acclaimed show ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.’
Momi, a survivor of domestic abuse and a celebrated artist, infused the film with her personal experiences. Her paintings, displayed in the opulent Bay Area homes where the movie was shot, echo the emotional landscape of Preeti’s journey.
Rustagi, known for her earlier award-winning short film ‘Unborn’, about female feticide in the Indian-American community, hopes ‘Designed by Preeti’ will reach audiences nationwide. With aspirations for theatrical and online distribution by September 2025, she is optimistic about its impact.
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