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Historic Win for Malayalam Film ‘Vadakkan’ at Fright Night Film Fest

This accomplishment makes it the first Malayalam film to receive such an accolade.

The Malayalam film ‘Vadakkan’, featuring actors Kishore Kumar G and Shruthy Menon, has achieved a significant milestone by winning the Best Supernatural Thriller Award at the Fright Night Film Festival held on September 28. This achievement marks a pioneering moment as it is the first film from the Malayalam industry to receive this particular honor. Directed by Sajeed A and penned by Unni R, known for renowned works like ‘Munnariyippu’ (2014) and ‘Charlie’ (2015), ‘Vadakkan’ boasts a talented cast, including Merin Philip, Meenakshi Unnikrishnan, and Aryan Katuria. The film was also showcased at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival’s Marché du Film Fantastic Pavilion, highlighting its global appeal. Produced by Offbeat Studios, it was one of only seven films selected for special screenings during the festival, with notable contributors such as sound designer Resul Pookutty, cinematographer Keiko Nakahara, and composer Bijibal in attendance.

In addition to its accolades at Fright Night, ‘Vadakkan’ had previously received official selection for the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival, an event dedicated to horror, thriller, and science fiction genres. Drawing inspiration from Dravidian myths and legends, the film employs cutting-edge digital technology, graphics, sound design, and visual aesthetics to create an immersive experience.

‘Vadakkan’ was showcased alongside six other films at the Cannes Fantastic Pavilion, a section aimed at introducing diverse film genres to directors worldwide. Pablo Guisa, who oversees the Pavilion, expressed enthusiasm for ‘Vadakkan’, noting its unique blend of mystery, folklore, and supernatural themes that resonate on a global scale. He remarked that the film offers a captivating narrative and underscores the robust presence of Indian cinema in international genre filmmaking.

Jaideep Singh, the founder of Offbeat Media Group and producer of ‘Vadakkan’, shared that the film aims to redefine the landscape of Indian cinema by bringing together world-class talents. He emphasized the project’s ambition to unite international and local narratives, expressing pride in the film’s compelling showcase at Cannes. Singh highlighted the film’s roots in Kerala’s cultural heritage and its potential to attract viewers worldwide.

‘Vadakkan’ has been praised not only for its engaging storyline but also for its striking visuals, setting a new standard for Malayalam cinema on the global stage.

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