Vijay Babu is still basking in the glow

To be at the Cannes film fest is always a dream of any filmmaker. That is what happened to Lijo Jose Pellissery, the director of Angamali Diaries, as well the producer Vijay Babu. Angamali Diaries was shown in the non-competitive marketing category and received a very positive response. 

"The standing ovation, after the screening, was an unforgettable moment for me," says Vijay. "For a regional language film in India, to be showcased at Cannes, has been breathtaking."

According to Vijay, this happened, thanks to the power of social media and reviews by many luminaries of the Indian film industry. The film was praised by noted Bollywood directors Anurag Kashyap, Pankaj Nihalani, Anupam Chopra, and actors like Manoj Bajpayee. "Superstar Mohanlal's glowing review was also a blessing," says Vijay. "So was the review by the Hollywood Reporter, a premier film magazine in the United States."

Asked about the possibility of Malayalam films making a mark internationally, Vijay says, "The international film community is looking to see ground-breaking films, with regional aesthetics. Cannes is a good platform for learning and interacting with legendary film-makers."
 
It had been a challenging film to make. "To cast 86 newcomers and make them act professionally, and that too, on a tight schedule, was not easy," says Vijay. 

Meanwhile, Angmali Diaries continues to have an impact. It has already reached the 100-day mark. There will be an official celebration on June 30 at Kochi. Meanwhile, Vijay is busy with the pre-production work for his next project, Aadu 2, the sequel of Aadu Oru Beeghrajeevi Aan.