Mammootty’s Bramayugam Set for Oscar Museum Screening
Malayalam cinema has scored a notable triumph on the world stage with the selection of Bramayugam, starring veteran actor Mammootty, for a special screening at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. The event, part of the museum’s Where the Forest Meets the Sea: Folklore from Around the World series, is scheduled for 12 February 2026 and places the film among international works rooted in myth and traditional storytelling.
Directed by Rahul Sadasivan, Bramayugam has been acclaimed for its atmospheric folk-horror narrative, which draws deeply on Kerala’s cultural and mythological textures. Although it did not secure major national award wins this year, the decision by the Academy Museum to showcase the film has been widely welcomed as a major milestone for both the production and Malayalam cinema as a whole.
Mammootty, a towering presence in Indian cinema, shared his delight about the film’s inclusion on social media, calling the recognition “another moment of pride” for the cast and crew. The screening marks the first time a film featuring the actor has been presented at the Academy Museum, highlighting his enduring influence beyond Indian audiences.
The Where the Forest Meets the Sea programme celebrates films from around the globe that explore folklore-centred narratives. Organisers say Bramayugam’s haunting visuals and culturally rich storytelling make it a fitting addition to the series, showcasing the universal appeal of stories rooted in local traditions.
Local film enthusiasts and critics have viewed this selection as a significant step in expanding the reach of regional Indian cinema. In recent years, Malayalam films have gained traction internationally through festivals and curated showcases, but Bramayugam’s appearance at the Academy Museum places it in a particularly visible global spotlight.
Set against the backdrop of a burgeoning appetite for diverse cinematic voices worldwide, this screening is seen as both a celebration of creative storytelling and a marker of how Indian regional films continue to resonate with audiences far beyond their origins.
Bramayugam’s journey to Los Angeles underlines not only its artistic merits but also the growing global appetite for narratives that blend folklore with compelling cinematic craft.
