The upcoming Malayalam feature Kothiyan (Fishers of Men), directed by acclaimed independent filmmaker Sanju Surendran, has been selected for the In-Development Projects section of the Hong Kong–Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF). The film is written by noted literary figure and screenwriter S Hareesh, who had earlier collaborated with Sanju on his directorial debut Aedan: Garden of Desire. HAF is hosted by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society and is regarded as a major platform for Asian film financing and co-production.
Kothiyan centres on the theme of obsession and is described as an absurdist parable. The film follows a vegetarian banker whose life takes a transcendent turn following an inexplicable obsession with fish. The project is among an initial slate of 17 films selected from across Asia and other regions for the 24th edition of HAF. Reacting to the selection, Sanju said, “Being selected for HAF is a significant milestone. It opens doors to global collaborations and brings us closer to realizing this vision on screen.”
Pramod Sankar, who is producing Kothiyan, added, “We are thrilled that Fishers of Men has been chosen for HAF. This platform offers invaluable exposure and support as we move forward with this unique story.” On the technical front, the film has cinematography by Manesh Madhavan and editing by Praveen Mangalath.
The 2026 edition of HAF will be held from March 17 to 19, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, alongside the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART), scheduled from March 17 to 20.
Sanju’s last directorial was If on a Winter’s Night (Khidki Gaav), which won the FIPRESCI Award for the Best Film in International Competition and the NETPAC Award for the Best Malayalam Film at the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).