Vadakkan, featuring Kishore and Kismat-fame Shruthy Menon, has made history by winning the Best Supernatural Thriller Award at this year's Fright Night Film Fest. This achievement makes it the first Malayalam film to receive such an accolade. The film, directed by Sajeed A, is penned by the State Award-winning writer Unni R, whose notable works include Munnariyippu (2014) and Charlie (2015).
The Fright Night Film Fest, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, is dedicated to showcasing genre films, such as horror, science fiction, fantasy, and action, as well as cult films from around the globe. This festival highlights new works from regions including Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, and North America.
Set against the backdrop of ancient North Malabar folklore, Vadakkan's tagline reads, "A supernatural thriller from Dravidian legends." The film's technical crew includes composer Bijibal, cinematographer Keiko Nakahara and Academy Award-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty. It is produced by Offbeet Studios, a division of the Offbeet Media Group.
Previously, Vadakkan had been selected for the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFFF) and was also presented at Cannes within the Marché Du Film, an annual film market held as part of the Festival De Cannes.