Latest news with #Sivaranjini
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Malayalam film Victoria selected for Shanghai International Film Festival
Victoria marks the directorial debut of Sivaranjini. Her maiden feature is produced by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation after receiving the Women Empowerment Grant from the Kerala State Government. The film premiered at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala last year, where it won the FIPRESCI Award for Best Malayalam Film. The film's official synopsis reads, "Victoria, a young beautician in a suburban beauty parlour, decides to elope with her Hindu boyfriend after a fierce clash with her conservative Catholic parents. Amidst the turmoil, a neighbour asks her to temporarily house an offering rooster destined for a festival at St. George church inside the parlour. Juggling the rooster's antics, unexpected clients, and her boyfriend's uncertainty, Victoria grapples with conflicting emotions leading to a day of intense personal and spiritual revelations." The film stars Meenakshi Jayan, Sreeshma Chandran, Jolly Chirayath, Steeja Mary, Darsana Vikas, Jeena Rajeev, and Remadevi. Meanwhile, the 27th SIFF is scheduled to be held from June 13-22. Indian filmmaker Kiran Rao, best known for her helming Dhobi Ghat and Laapata Ladies, is also part of the jury for the Main Competition section at the festival. She is part of the panel led by Oscar-winning Italian filmmaker Giuseppe Tornatore.
New Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Becoming Victoria: Actor Meenakshi Jayan on her breakthrough role
Victoria is unique in many ways — it features an all-women cast (except for a rooster), and its cinematic language includes long takes. What was it like working in such an experimental setup? I have a theatre background, so I considered long takes to be a blessing. But in a film, if someone makes a mistake, the entire scene must be reshot. Sivaranjini and the cinematographer, Anand Ravi, would rehearse scenes many times. Anand once described Sivaranjini's cinematic style as a dance between the actor and the camera. I had to walk in sync with the handheld camera throughout, which made the long takes especially challenging for the crew. Yes, the cast was entirely women. Sreeshma Chandran played Laya, Victoria's best friend. Actor Jolly Chirayath had a pivotal role and supported us greatly, as this was the first film for most of us. I must say, the rooster was calm and professional… he was well-trained by Shaji Balaramapuram. In one scene, Sivaranjini wanted him to flutter — he did so perfectly when tickled. He was always on cue and probably the only actor who never made any mistakes! You recently won the Best Performer award at IEFFK. What does the recognition mean to you? Standing on stage with the award, I thought of the women who travelled the path before me, starting with P K Rosy. Women in cinema came to focus after the assault of an actress. The Women in Cinema Project was born after members of the WCC and others met the chief minister to urge systemic support for women in the film industry. As part of this initiative, KSFDC annually selects a script to fund with a grant of up to Rs 1.45 crore. Victoria was one such project. So, in a way, the film was born because one woman stood up for justice. I was able to shine because a group of women came together. I felt grateful to be a woman for the first time. Watching Victoria on screen, I felt glamorous and sexy — like I was the most beautiful woman on Earth. Looking ahead, what kinds of roles are you drawn to? I want to be unpredictable. Actors like Asif Ali constantly break their typecasting, and I admire that. A new ad of mine just came out, and I play a zombie in it! I would love to do more humorous roles that make people laugh for a few hours, considering how depression and anxiety are so common these days. I am part of an upcoming series on SonyLIV, directed by P R Arun, based on beauty pageants. It's fun, goofy, and unlike anything else in Kerala.
