From left - Kadu Pookkunna Neram, Veeram and RoopantharamKottayam: Three feature films -- one periodic and two contemporary social dramas – and three non-feature ones will mark the presence of Malayalam industry in the 47th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to be held from November 20-28 in Panaji, Goa.
The jury of feature films, headed by director and producer Rajendra Singh Babu, selected 22 films out of 230 eligible entries.
Jayaraj's magnum opus Veeram, Dr Biju's Kaadu Pookkunna Neram and M.B. Padmakumar's Roopantharam are the Malayalam films chosen for the Indian Panorama (features) of the festival.
Veeram, an adaptation of William Shakespeare's Macbeth in the backdrop of northern Kerala's legends related to ancient martial arts Kalarippayattu, is counted as one of the most expensive films made in Malayalam.
The film starring Bollywood actor Kunal Kapoor and Himarsha Venkatsamy in the lead is also part of Jayaraj's series on the filmic expression of Navrasas.
With its teaser receiving accolades from fans and critics as well, Veeram will have its much-awaited premier at Panaji.
Produced by Chandramohan D. Pillai and Pradeep Rajan, Veeram has a line-up of internationally acclaimed artists and technicians.
Jayaraj's last film Ottal was also screened at last edition of IFFI.
Kadu Pookkunna Neram (When the forest blooms) is the latest film by award-winning filmmaker Biju. Featuring Indrajith and Rima Kallingal in the lead roles, the film discusses the clash between agents of authority and those oppressed in the name of law and security. Like the previous directorial ventures of Biju, this film also explores the contemporary socio-political conditions and their impacts on ordinary citizens.
Kaadu Pookkunna Neram finds its way to Goa after being premiered in the world cinema section at the Montreal Film Festival.
Roopantharam by M.B. Padmakumar portrays the life of a lottery seller. This is the second film by Padmakumar after his critically acclaimed My Life Partner which won the 2014 Kerala State Film Awards for second best film and best actor. The film was noted for handling a gay relationship, an unusual theme in Malayalm cinema.
Roopantharam has Kochupreman, debutant Bharath and Sona Nair playing the lead characters. is produced by J. Sarathchandran under the banner of Chand Creations.
Non-feature films
Of the 21 non-feature films to be featured in Indian Panorama section, three are in Malayalam.
In return, Just a Book by Shiny Jacob Benjamin, Randu Kurippukal by Gireesh Kumar K. and Ormayude Athirvarambukal by Sudesh Balan have been chosen for screening.
The non-feature films were picked up by a jury chaired by well-known documentary filmmaker Arvind out of 198 eligible entries.
