The highly anticipated movie Theatre: The Myth of Reality, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sajin Baabu, made its official debut on the global stage with a trailer launch at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival – Marché du Film. The trailer teases a compelling blend of mysticism, drama, and raw emotional power, setting high expectations for its release.
A Haunting Tale from Kerala
Set on the ethereal and remote Illikkal Island in Kerala, Theatre: The Myth of Reality unfolds the lives of two women—portrayed by Rima Kallingal and Sarasa Balussery—who believe they are plagued by a generational curse. The film intricately examines the fragile boundaries between superstition and modernity, grounding its narrative in a community where myth and reality coexist in uneasy harmony.
Building on the success of his critically lauded film Biriyani, Sajin Baabu continues to probe deep spiritual and cultural themes. This latest work is rich in movie genre, particularly exploring feminine mysticism through layered storytelling and evocative imagery.
A Star-Studded Launch
The trailer’s unveiling was marked by an elegant event attended by stalwarts of international cinema. Veteran director Sudhir Mishra led the launch, with Stephan Ottenbruch, Director of the Indo-German Film Week, serving as the chief guest. The ceremony also welcomed prominent figures from the Indian, German, Chinese, and French film industries, including Dr. Biju Damodaran, actor Prakash Bare, actress Chhaya Kadam, and trans-media consultant MN Gujar.
Stellar Performances and Technical Brilliance
Rima Kallingal, who won the Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Actress, headlines a powerful ensemble cast featuring Sarasa Balussery, Dain Davis, Pramod Veliyanad, and Megha Rajan. The film is a showcase of movie characters who are as vivid as the myth-laden world they inhabit.
Behind the camera, the film’s technical excellence shines through. Cinematographer Syamaprakash MS captures the mystique of the island with visual finesse, while editor Appu Bhattathiri ensures a tight narrative flow. The haunting soundscape is the result of collaborative work by Harikumar Madhavan Nair, Jubin Raj, and Baabu himself, who also handled the sound design. Costume design by Gayathri Kishore and prosthetic effects by Sethu Sivanandan and Ash Ashraf further enhance the film’s immersive quality.
Sajin Baabu’s previous project, Biriyani, garnered wide acclaim for its bold narrative and Kani Kusruti’s powerful lead performance. With Theatre: The Myth of Reality, Baabu seems poised to once again capture the attention of global audiences and critics alike.
