Mammootty’s acclaimed Malayalam psychological horror film “Bramayugam” has been selected to screen at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone for Indian cinema on the global stage. The film, directed by Rahul Sadasivan and produced by Night Shift Studios and YNOT Studios, will be showcased on February 12, 2026, as part of the museum’s curated film series “Where the Forest Meets the Sea: Folklore from Around the World.”
A Historic Recognition for Malayalam Cinema
What makes this selection particularly significant is that “Bramayugam” stands as the only Indian film featured in this prestigious global folklore program. The Academy Museum’s “Where the Forest Meets the Sea” series, running from January 10 to February 12, 2026, brings together films from around the world that explore myth, oral tradition, and collective imagination. Previous entries in the series have included films from Japan, Mexico, and Eastern Europe, but this marks the first time an Indian regional film has been chosen for inclusion in this elite category.
The selection underscores growing international recognition of Indian regional cinema and its unique storytelling traditions rooted in folklore and cultural narratives. According to the program’s curators, the series pays homage to “films rooted in myth, oral tradition, and collective imagination,” making “Bramayugam” a perfect fit for this thematic collection.
Mammootty’s Excitement and Gratitude
Actor Mammootty, who played the lead role of Kodumon Potti, shared his excitement about this honor on social media. He expressed, “Excited to share that #Bramayugam will be screened as the only Indian film at the Academy Museum’s ‘Where the Forest Meets the Sea’ film series in Los Angeles on February 12, 2026. Another moment of pride for the entire team behind #Bramayugam!”
The veteran actor credited everyone involved in creating a story “that travels beyond language,” highlighting how the film’s universal themes have resonated with international audiences. He dedicated the recognition to the audience who embraced the narrative and characters with overwhelming love and support.
A Film of Remarkable Achievements
“Bramayugam” has already established itself as a critical and commercial success since its 2024 release. The black-and-white period folk horror thriller earned Mammootty his seventh Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards, along with three other major honors for the film, including Best Character Actor, Best Background Score, and Best Makeup. Additionally, Sidharth Bharathan won the award for Best Character Actor for his performance in the film.
The film’s impressive commercial performance further demonstrates its widespread appeal, grossing ₹26.92 crore net in India and ₹58.2 crore globally, making it one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of 2024. Its distinctive black-and-white cinematography and atmospheric storytelling have earned it international attention, with the film’s sound design being included in the curriculum for cinematic sound studies at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, England. Remarkably, “Bramayugam” was ranked as the second-best horror film of 2024 on Letterboxd’s global rankings.
Setting the Stage for Global Indian Cinema
The screening at the Academy Museum represents more than just a prestigious platform for a single film; it signals the world’s growing recognition of Indian regional cinema’s artistic merit and storytelling prowess. By featuring “Bramayugam” as the sole Indian film in this global folklore series, the Academy Museum acknowledges the film’s exceptional quality and its meaningful contribution to contemporary cinema that draws from rich cultural and mythological traditions.
Director Rahul Sadasivan’s vision for “Bramayugam,” which weaves elements of tradition, regional folklore, and dark fantasy set in the 13th century, resonates deeply with the museum’s thematic focus on global folklore narratives. This recognition is expected to further elevate international interest in Indian regional cinema and its unique approach to contemporary storytelling rooted in tradition.
By – Sonali