Chidambaram’s ‘Balan: The Boy’ to be screened at Cannes Marche du Film
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New Delhi: ‘Balan: The Boy’, directed by Chidambaram, is set to be showcased in the Marche du Film segment at the Cannes Film Festival, the makers announced on Sunday.
Backed by KVN Productions and Thespian Films, the film will be screened on May 14 during the market event, which runs from May 12 to May 23, according to an official press release.
Written by Jithu Madhavan, the film explores themes of identity, survival, and the enduring bond between a mother and her child, tracing an emotional journey at its core.
Speaking about the selection, Chidambaram described the film as a deeply personal work. “‘Balan: The Boy’ is about what we carry without knowing—the weight of where we come from, and the hunger to find where we belong. I made this film for those who have felt both but could never find the words,” he said.
Reflecting on its screening at Cannes, he added that the festival has long stood as a platform for cinema that trusts its audience. “This film invites viewers to feel before they fully understand—and to carry something with them long after it ends,” he noted.
Producer Venkat K Narayana of KVN Productions said the project represents more than just a film. “‘Balan: The Boy’ is a statement that reminds us why we entered this industry. Malayalam cinema is creating work the world cannot ignore, and we believe this film deserves to be part of that global conversation,” he said.
Shailaja Desai Fenn of Thespian Films described the Cannes screening as a moment of pride. Recalling her visit to the festival in 2022, she said she had promised to return with a film. “Standing here today with ‘Balan: The Boy’, I can say some promises are worth every sleepless night,” she said.
Calling the project a “universal story,” Fenn added that the film has the potential to resonate with audiences across age groups and geographies, making it “one of the most beautiful things a film can be.”
With PTI inputs
