The 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2026, scheduled for November 20-28 in Goa, is highlighting Malayalam cinema through various screenings and special sessions. The festival features a centenary celebration screening of Thulabharam, a film associated with legendary Malayalam actor Prem Nazir, as part of its recognition of distinguished personalities of Indian cinema.
Contemporary Malayalam cinema is represented by several films across different sections. Sarvam Maya, directed by Akhil Sathyan and starring Nivin Pauly, Aju Varghese, Riya Shibu and Priety Mukundan, has been selected for the Indian Panorama feature-film section. The New Horizon section of Indian Panorama includes Ottanjaavalmaram (A Lone Jamun Tree) directed by Shruthi Sharanyam and Ajayante Maranam: Oru Case Study directed by Sreehari Haridas. The non-feature selection includes the 11-minute Malayalam short film Switch Off directed by Sandeep Francis, while Half directed by Samjad will screen under the Gala Premieres section.
Malayalam film personalities will participate in special festival sessions. Filmmaker and actor Basil Joseph will lead an 'In Conversation' session titled The Epic Genres – Mythologies, Superheroes & New Worlds, while acclaimed playback singer K. S. Chithra will conduct a retrospective session paying tribute to singing legends Asha Bhosle and S. Janaki. The festival operates under the theme "Stories without Borders" and aims to bring together films, filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from India and internationally to foster cultural exchange.
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