The Mollywood industry got a boost as six Malayalam films were picked for the International Film Festival of India to be held in Goa in November. The films which were selected are "101 Chodyangal", "Artist", "Celluloid", "Kanyaka Talkies", "Kunjananthante Kada" and "Shutter".
"101 Chodyangal" is written and directed by Sidharth Shiva. The film, which has Indrajith and Lena playing the lead roles, won a National Award for best first film from a director and another one for the best child artist.
"Artist" is written and directed by acclaimed director Shyamaprasad. The film has Fahadh Faasil and Ann Augustine playing the lead roles. It is an adaptation of "Dreams in Prussian Blue", a novel by Paritosh Uttam.
"Celluloid" is written and directed by Kamal and stars Prithviraj, Sreenivasan, Mamta Mohandas and Chandni. The film is a biopic on JC Daniel, a legend in Malayalam cinema. It won the Kerala State award for the best film and best actor in a leading role.
"Kanyaka Takies" marks the debut of KR Manoj, an award-winning documentary film maker, as a feature film director. The film, which features Murali Gopi and Lena, talks about the plight of B-grade film theatres in the 1980-90s era.
"Kunjananthante Kada" is written and directed by Salim Ahmed. The film stars Mammootty and newcomer Nyla Usha in the lead roles. Salim Kumar is also onboard the film, which revolves around a small-time shopkeeper in Kannur.
The last film in the list, "Shutter", is written and directed by debutant Joy Mathew. The film has Lal, Sreenivasan, Vinay Fort and Sajitha Madathhil playing the lead roles. It won the best feature film award (audience choice) at the 17th International Film Festival of Kerala.