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Open Forum

Malayalam filmmakers reflect on a changing industry

The open forum held on the seventh day of the 30th IFFK brought together prominent contemporary filmmakers to reflect on the ‘new ambience’ shaping Malayalam cinema, on the topic ‘Malayala Cinemayude Navabhavukathwam’.”

The discussion featured filmmakers whose works have drawn attention at this year’s festival, including Unnikrishnan Avala, Rajesh Madhavan, Sanju Surendran, Jeo Baby, Sherry Govindan, Nipin Narayanan, Gritto Vincent, Sreejith S Kumar and Sreekumar K. Their participation underlined the diversity of voices and approaches that define Malayalam cinema today.

Sanju Surendran spoke about the evolving grammar of Malayalam films, observing that works such as Thanthapperu and Khidki Gaav, which have made an impact on international festival circuits, reflect a renewed confidence capable of resonating beyond regional boundaries. Nipin Narayanan echoed this view, noting that Malayalam cinema has increasingly moved beyond rigid commercial frameworks to engage with universal themes and audiences.

Gritto Vincent pointed out that the conventional divide between art and commercial cinema is steadily dissolving, emphasising that the primary objective of filmmaking remains effective storytelling that connects with viewers. Adding to this, Sreejith S Kumar said the international appreciation received by films rooted in local contexts demonstrates the ability of authentic narratives to transcend linguistic and cultural barriers.

Industry veteran Sreekumar K observed that a strong story holds value across contexts, and that mainstream cinema often absorbs and adapts the creative impulses introduced by art-house films—an exchange he described as central to the vitality of Malayalam cinema.

Jeo Baby highlighted the role of festivals such as IFFK in energising independent cinema and providing crucial platforms for alternative voices. While welcoming the creative resurgence, Unnikrishnan Avala raised concerns about the limited reach of many independent films beyond the festival circuit.

The discussion also opened up larger questions about how society is responding to the neo-realist tendencies influencing Malayalam cinema today, reflecting the industry’s ongoing negotiation between tradition, experimentation and audience engagement.