New Delhi, 15 November (H.S.): The 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), scheduled to be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, will showcase the diversity, rich heritage and emerging creative talent of Malayalam cinema. A special screening of the iconic film ‘Thulabharam’, featuring legendary actor Prem Nazir, will be among the key attractions. Several films by a new generation of Malayalam filmmakers will also be screened across the Indian Panorama, New Horizon and Gala Premieres sections.

According to the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, this year’s IFFI will be held under the theme “Stories Without Borders”. The festival will bring together films, filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from India and across the world on a common platform, promoting cultural exchange and celebrating cinema as a universal language.

A major attraction for Malayalam cinema enthusiasts will be the special screening of ‘Thulabharam’, starring Prem Nazir. The screening forms part of the festival’s programme commemorating the centenaries of distinguished personalities associated with Indian cinema. It will offer audiences an opportunity to revisit significant works and appreciate the contributions of some of the country's most celebrated cinematic figures.

Among the contemporary Malayalam selections, ‘Sarvam Maya’, directed by Akhil Sathyan, has been included in the feature-film section of Indian Panorama. The film stars Nivin Pauly, Aju Varghese, Riya Shibu and Priety Mukundan. Centred on supernatural themes, it follows Prabhendu, an atheist musician whose life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters the spirit of a young woman. Through this unusual relationship, the film explores themes of faith, love and self-discovery.

Two other Malayalam films, ‘Ottanjaavalmaram (A Lone Jamun Tree)’ and ‘Ajayante Maranam: Oru Case Study’, will be screened in the New Horizon section of Indian Panorama. They have been directed by Shruthi Sharanyam and Sreehari Haridas, respectively.

The non-feature film section will feature ‘Switch Off’, an 11-minute Malayalam short film directed by Sandeep Francis. In addition, ‘Half’, directed by Kerala-based filmmaker Samjad, will be screened in the Gala Premieres section.

Malayalam film personalities will also participate in special interactions and discussion sessions during the festival. Filmmaker and actor Basil Joseph will take part in an ‘In Conversation’ session titled “The Epic Genres – Mythologies, Superheroes & New Worlds”, which will explore the evolving scope of epic storytelling in cinema.

Acclaimed playback singer K. S. Chithra will moderate a special session paying tribute to legendary singers Asha Bhosle and S. Janaki. The session will celebrate their timeless songs and remarkable contributions to Indian music.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar