Malayalam cinema has etched its name into global film history as Bramayugam, starring veteran actor Mammootty, earns a prestigious screening at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. The screening, scheduled for February 12, marks a rare and significant milestone — placing a Malayalam film within the cultural space closely associated with the Oscars and the global film elite.
The Academy Museum’s recognition of Bramayugam is being hailed as a watershed moment not only for the film’s makers but for Indian regional cinema as a whole. The film has been selected as part of a specially curated global programme titled “Where the Forest Meets the Sea: Folklore from Around the World,” which showcases folklore-driven and folk-horror films that draw deeply from indigenous myths and cultural memory.
This international platform places Bramayugam alongside influential works from across continents, highlighting how stories rooted in local traditions can resonate universally. Notably, Bramayugam stands out as the only Indian film featured in this prestigious lineup, underlining the growing global curiosity and respect for Malayalam cinema’s narrative depth and artistic courage.
A Landmark Moment for Mammootty and Malayalam Cinema
For Mammootty, one of Indian cinema’s most respected and enduring actors, this screening adds another historic chapter to an illustrious career spanning more than five decades. His performance in Bramayugam has been widely praised for its restraint, intensity, and layered portrayal, proving once again his ability to transcend language and cultural boundaries.
Film observers note that the Academy Museum screening is not merely an honourary event but a recognition of cinematic craft — particularly the film’s bold black-and-white visual style, immersive soundscape, and its commitment to atmosphere-driven storytelling.
Director Rahul Sadasivan on Global Recognition
Director Rahul Sadasivan, who previously earned acclaim for his work in atmospheric cinema, expressed deep emotion upon the film’s selection. In a statement shared following the announcement, he reflected on the personal nature of the project.
“Bramayugam was born from the stories I grew up hearing — tales that carried fear, faith, and silence across generations. To see such a deeply rooted narrative being embraced on a global platform is truly overwhelming,” he said.
He further added, “This moment belongs to the entire team — the actors, technicians, and everyone who believed that a story grounded in our folklore could travel beyond borders.”
A Film Rooted in Folklore, Reaching the World
Released theatrically in February 2024, Bramayugam quickly stood apart from mainstream releases due to its unconventional structure and genre-blending approach. Drawing heavily from Kerala’s folklore traditions, the film explores themes of power, fear, faith, and the unknown through a haunting narrative framework.
Industry experts believe the Academy Museum screening signals a broader shift in how international institutions perceive Indian cinema — moving beyond song-and-dance stereotypes to acknowledge sophisticated storytelling emerging from regional industries.
The programme in which Bramayugam is featured focuses on how forests, myths, and oral traditions shape human fears and beliefs across cultures. In this context, the Malayalam film’s inclusion is seen as a natural fit, given its deep engagement with mythological consciousness and cultural memory.
A Proud Moment for Indian Regional Cinema
As anticipation builds ahead of the Los Angeles screening, filmmakers, critics, and cinema lovers across India are celebrating the moment as a collective victory. The achievement reinforces the idea that strong storytelling, authenticity, and artistic conviction can earn global recognition — regardless of language or market size.
With Bramayugam entering the Academy Museum space, Malayalam cinema has not only crossed a symbolic threshold but has also opened doors for more regional stories to find their place on the world stage.
