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‘Ottanjaavalmaram’ heads to IFFI 2026; Shruthi Sharanyam’s film features Beena R Chandran as a theatre actor with dementia
Ottanjaavalmaram’ heads to IFFI 2026.
Malayalam filmmaker Shruthi Sharanyam’s second feature, ‘Ottanjaavalmaram’ (A Lone Jamun Tree), will premiere at the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on November 25, 2026.As officially shared by the film makers, the film is part of the New Horizon section of Indian Panorama, which presents contemporary Indian films and distinctive voices to a wider audience across the country.A Lone Jamun Tree is jointly produced by three-time Kerala State Film Award-winning colourist Liju Prabhakar and writer-director Shruthi Sharanyam under the banner of Janaala Encore. The film marks Liju Prabhakar’s debut as a producer in Malayalam cinema, in addition to his roles in post-production supervision and colour grading for Ottanjaavalmaram.The Kerala State Award-winning filmmaker has written and directed the project. Her latest film examines memory, identity and the questions that emerge when a person’s ability to recall the past begins to fade. The story centres on Maya, a theatre actor in her sixties whose life is increasingly affected by dementia.
Beena R Chandran
takes the lead role
State Award-winning actress Beena R Chandran portrays Maya, the central character. Once celebrated for her stage performances, Maya gradually struggles to distinguish memories from present-day experiences. Characters she once portrayed also begin to merge with her personal recollections.As her condition progresses, moments from different stages of her life return in fragments.
A nephew documents Maya’s fading memories
Maya’s nephew, Appu, begins recording her through his camera. His footage captures moments when her former theatrical roles resurface. One solo performance from her past repeatedly returns. Titled ‘Ottanjaavalmaram’, the act becomes a recurring element in Maya’s fading recollections and gives the film its name.
‘The Father’ in a different lense
Through Maya’s journey, ‘Ottanjaavalmaram’ considers the connection between memory and identity. It also explores the emotional responsibilities of caring for someone with dementia. The story reflects on what remains of a person when familiar memories become difficult to access. Rather than focusing only on dementia, the film places Maya’s history and agency at the centre. The premise seems to be an interesting twist to Anthony Hopkins’ ‘The Father’ which also deals with same theme.
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Shruthi Sharanyam’s second feature after ‘B 32 Muthal 44 Vare’
The supporting cast includes Ashwathy B, Uma KP, Sreejith, Achuthanandan and Sreela Nalledam. Mridul S has handled the cinematography. Beena R Chandran leads the cast as Maya, whose past as a performer shapes the story.‘Ottanjaavalmaram’ follows Shruthi Sharanyam’s debut, ‘B 32 Muthal 44 Vare’. The film won the FIPRESCI Award for Best Malayalam Film by a debut director at IFFK 2023. It also received the Kerala State Film Award, Film Critics Awards and the Padmarajan Award for Best Script.Watch
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