‘Vadaakkan’ Makes History: First Malayalam Film to Win Best Supernatural Thriller at Fright Night Festival
In a monumental achievement for the Malayalam film industry, ‘Vadaakkan’ has carved its name into the annals of cinematic history. It is the first Malayalam film ever to win the coveted Best Supernatural Thriller award at the prestigious Fright Night Film Festival in the United States. Directed by Sajid A and featuring stellar performances by Kichoru and Shruthi Menon, this supernatural thriller, produced by Offbeat Studios, represents a landmark moment for Malayalam cinema, underlining its expanding global recognition.
Vadaakkan’s success extends beyond its victory at Fright Night. Earlier this year, it made waves at the Cannes Film Festival, having been showcased at the Fantastic Pavilion, an exclusive section for horror and fantasy films. Selected from among seven highly anticipated films, Vadaakkan received an invite-only market premiere at Cannes, drawing in an elite audience of celebrities, horror aficionados, and Bollywood and Hollywood stars alike. Its international acclaim further solidified when it was officially selected for the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival, a platform known for curating top-tier horror, thriller, and sci-fi films from around the world.
Set against the rich backdrop of North Malabar folklore, Vadaakkan weaves a supernatural narrative that transcends linguistic boundaries. In addition to its Malayalam release, the film is being dubbed into Kannada, broadening its reach across the Indian subcontinent. The film also features a musical highlight—globally renowned Pakistani singer Zeb Bangash lends her voice to a romantic track, with music composed by Bijibal and lyrics by Bollywood’s acclaimed lyricist Shelley.
The technical brilliance of Vadaakkan elevates the film to another level. With cutting-edge CGI from India’s leading visual effects teams, the film offers a visual spectacle. Adding to its immersive experience is Oscar-winning sound engineer Resul Pookutty, who masterfully crafted the film’s soundscape. Behind the lens is Japanese cinematographer Keiko Nakahara, whose exquisite visuals bring a haunting beauty to the film.
With its gripping narrative, breathtaking visuals, and a host of international accolades, Vadaakkan is poised to leave an indelible mark both on home turf and globally. Having already garnered attention from some of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, it is set to hit theaters in Kerala soon, with audiences eagerly awaiting its release. The film’s digital marketing is handled by Obscura Entertainments, with Athira Diljith serving as the PRO.
