Global artist Zeb Bangash lends her voice to 'Vadakkan' – 'Rang Likha' released ahead of film's March 7 release

Globally renowned singer Zeb Bangash, celebrated for her numerous Bollywood hits, is making her Malayalam playback debut with the song 'Rang Likha' from the supernatural horror thriller 'Vadakkan'. Having garnered attention at various international film festivals, 'Vadakkan' is set for its theatrical release on March 7.  

Directed by Bombay Malayali Sajeed A in his directorial debut, 'Vadakkan' stars South Indian actors Kishore and Swathi in pivotal roles. Zeb Bangash, active in the music industry since 2008, made her Bollywood debut in 2013 with 'Madras Cafe'. She later composed the soundtrack for the critically acclaimed 'Lipstick Under My Burkha', which won 18 film awards. Throughout her career, Zeb has performed in Urdu, Pashto, Punjabi, Turkish, Persian, and Saraiki, among other languages. She has also been a prominent voice in celebrated television music shows like Coke Studio and Pepsi Battle of the Bands.  

For 'Vadakkan', Zeb, who hails from Pakistan, collaborated with Malayalam composer Bijibal and acclaimed Bollywood lyricist Shellee to create a mesmerising romantic melody. Previously released tracks from 'Vadakkan"—including the folk-inspired 'Kettingo Ninga' and the retro hip-hop number 'Mayyath Rap'—have already captivated audiences. The film's recently launched trailer hints at an enigmatic setting, paranormal occurrences, and a gripping storyline.  

Rooted in Dravidian folklore and ancient legends, Vadakkan integrates cutting-edge digital technology, graphics, immersive sound, and visual design. Academy Award-winning sound designer Resul Pookkutty helms the film's soundscape, while Unni R pens the screenplay and dialogues. Bijibal has composed the film’s music, and a top-tier CGI team from India and overseas has crafted its VFX.  

Alongside Kishore and Swathi, the film features an ensemble cast, including Merin Philip, Mala Parvathi, Ravi Venkataraman, Gargi Ananthan, Greeshma Alex, Kalesh Ramanand, Krishna Sankar, Aryan Kathooria, Meenakshi Unnikrishnan, Siraj Nassar, and Revathi.  

Having premiered in the Official Competition section at the prestigious 78th Festival Internazionale del Cinema di Salerno 2024 (Salerno International Film Festival), 'Vadakkan' was also exclusively showcased at the Cannes Film Market's Fantastic Pavilion, a dedicated space for horror and fantasy cinema. The film was among the seven titles selected for a gala screening attended by celebrities and industry professionals from Bollywood and Hollywood. Notably, 'Vadakkan' was the only Malayalam film featured in this segment.  

'Vadakkan' is produced under the banner of Offbeet Studios, a division of Offbeet Media Group, the creative powerhouse behind 101India.com. Known for curating unconventional narratives, 101India.com has previously organised the NFT exhibition 'Myths and Memes' in Kochi in collaboration with Papaya Café. "Vadakkan" marks the studio's first venture into creating a unique cinematic universe rooted in ancient North Malabar folklore. The film is also set for a Kannada-language release.