Malayalam cinema has never shied away from experiments, both in terms of form and content. One doesn’t have to look too far behind for examples, as the first half of 2024 alone witnessed some daring experiments like , , , and . Experiments usually come at a cost, but the fact that all these films, which either boasted innovative storytelling or visual splendour, have found theatrical success is a huge booster for the entire industry.
Echoing these sentiments is Manju Warrier, whose upcoming release is touted as the first ever found footage film in Malayalam cinema. “The success story of these experiments is hugely inspiring, particularly that of a black-and-white film. Lately, I’ve been nurturing an increasing interest in being part of such films and that’s why I happily hopped on when Saiju (Sreedharan) and Shabna (Mohammed) approached me with this idea.
” marks the maiden directorial of Saiju, an accomplished editor whose works include some landmark films from the last decade, like (2016), (2017), (2019), (2019), and (2019). Saiju is at his unassuming best while sharing when the director bug bit him. “For starters, I didn’t even wish to become an editor, but I was always into films, particularly international cinema, and wanted to attempt something similar here.
Films like The (1984) and (1987) piqued my interest and I used to research about their making. Later, my film institute studies and exposure to the works screened there snowballed into me becoming an ed.