Mammootty and Rahul Sadasivan's Bramayugam has earned a rare international showcase, with the Malayalam folk-horror film set to be screened at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on February 12. The presentation situates the film within the museum’s curated programme, Where the Forest Meets the Sea, a series that explores cinema shaped by folklore, myth, and collective memory from around the world.
The screening marks a significant milestone not only for the film but also for Mammootty, as it will be the first time a film featuring the veteran actor is showcased at the Academy Museum. Running from January 10 to February 12, the series brings together works that draw deeply from cultural fears, oral traditions, and ritualistic storytelling.
Director Rahul announced the news on social media, saying, "Bramayugam comes from the stories I grew up hearing, the fears that stayed, the silences that never left. To see it resonate beyond language and geography is overwhelming. Grateful to the cast, crew, and everyone who brought this vision to life." The film will also be the only Indian title included in this year’s edition of the programme.
Where the Forest Meets the Sea features a diverse line-up of internationally acclaimed films inspired by folklore and myth, including Midsommar, Häxan, La Llorona, The Witch, Viy, You Won’t Be Alone, Under the Shadow, The Wicker Man, His House, and Onibaba.
Following the announcement, responses poured in from film enthusiasts and industry peers, with many celebrating the recognition of Malayalam cinema on such a prestigious global platform. An excerpt from the CE review of Bramayugam reads, “You'll start feeling a sense of fear and anxiety looming large from the point Mammootty's character enters the picture. It is remarkable watching him unravel all the traits of the character gradually—from being dominating to turning manipulative and finally unleashing the beast within. Close attention has been paid to sketching his character's unique look, which makes him even more sinister.”
Rahul’s most recent release was the horror thriller Dies Irae, starring Pranav Mohanlal, Jibin Gopinath, and Jaya Kurup.
Mammootty was last seen in last year’s runaway success Kalamkaval as the antagonist opposite Vinayakan.
