‘Truly overwhelming’: Director Rahul Sadasivan on Bramayugam’s Hollywood moment

The upcoming screening of Malayalam superstar Mammootty’s Bramayugam at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles has sparked celebrations among cinema lovers, marking a major moment for Indian regional cinema on the global stage.

The folk-horror film, which earned strong critical praise but missed out on top honours at the 71st National Film Awards, will be screened at one of the world’s most prestigious film institutions. For many in the film community, the selection is seen as a fitting response to the film’s absence from major award wins in India.

Director Rahul Sadasivan shared a personal note on Instagram following the announcement, describing the moment as deeply emotional. He said the film was born from stories he grew up hearing, lingering fears and unspoken silences.

“To see it resonate beyond language and geography is overwhelming,” he wrote, expressing gratitude to the cast and crew who helped bring the vision to life.

Bramayugam has been chosen for the Academy Museum’s curated film series, Where the Forest Meets the Sea, which explores cinema rooted in folklore and myth. The programme runs from January 10 to February 12, 2026, with Bramayugam scheduled to screen on February 12.

The series places the Malayalam-language film alongside globally celebrated titles such as The Wicker Man, The Witch, Midsommar, Onibaba and Häxan, highlighting its place within a rich tradition of folk-inspired cinema.

Notably, Bramayugam is the only Indian film selected for the series, underlining its growing international appeal.

While the film’s exclusion from major wins at the National Film Awards had triggered disappointment among fans, its inclusion at the Academy Museum has shifted the conversation. The recognition suggests that Bramayugam’s haunting atmosphere, rooted in local folklore, has found a universal voice.

For Indian regional cinema, the Los Angeles screening marks more than a symbolic win — it signals that powerful storytelling can travel far beyond borders, even when awards at home fall short.