Sivaranjini J's debut Malayalam film, Victoria, has been selected for the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF), marking a proud moment for Indian cinema. The film is the only Indian entry this year and will be screened in the Asian New Talent section of the festival, which is scheduled to run from June 13 to 22, 2025.
Director Jeo Baby, known for Kaathal, shared his excitement on social media, congratulating Sivaranjini J and the entire team. He highlighted the film's selection as a significant achievement for Indian cinema.
Victoria, produced by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), received funding through the Women Empowerment Grant, an initiative by the Kerala State Government aimed at supporting women filmmakers. This backing has allowed Sivaranjini J to bring a fresh and nuanced perspective to storytelling.
The film had its world premiere at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala in 2024, where it was honored with the FIPRESCI Award for Best Malayalam Film. Victoria explores themes of faith, freedom, and identity through the journey of a young woman.
The film's synopsis offers a glimpse into its narrative: Victoria, a young beautician working in a suburban beauty parlor, decides to elope with her Hindu boyfriend after a conflict with her conservative Catholic parents. Amidst this personal upheaval, a neighbor asks her to temporarily house a rooster meant as an offering for a festival at St. George Church, inside the parlor. As Victoria juggles the rooster's antics, unexpected clients, and her boyfriend's uncertainty, she grapples with conflicting emotions, leading to a day filled with intense personal and spiritual revelations.
The cast includes Meenakshi Jayan, Sreeshma Chandran, Jolly Chirayath, Steeja Mary, Darsana Vikas, Jeena Rajeev, and Remadevi, each contributing to the film's rich character tapestry.
The Shanghai International Film Festival is one of Asia's most prestigious film festivals. This year, the Asian New Talent section features a diverse selection of films from countries like Iran, Japan, China, Sri Lanka, and Turkey, alongside Victoria.
In addition to Victoria's selection, Indian filmmaker Kiran Rao, known for directing Dhobi Ghat and Laapata Ladies, will serve on the jury for the Main Competition section at the festival. She will be part of a panel led by Oscar-winning Italian filmmaker Giuseppe Tornatore.
