Entertainment: In a significant triumph for Indian independent cinema, Sivaranjini J’s debut feature, ‘Victoria,’ has earned the prestigious distinction of being the sole Indian film selected for the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF). This remarkable achievement marks a pivotal moment for the first-time director, whose film will vie for top honours in the highly competitive Asian New Talent section, a category specifically designed to unearth and champion emerging voices in the cinematic world.
This selection is particularly poignant for Sivaranjini, who hails from a quaint village in Kerala. Her journey to this global platform was fraught with challenges, as she candidly admitted to nearly abandoning her filmmaking aspirations due to the arduous landscape faced by independent artists. The tide, however, turned decisively when ‘Victoria’ secured crucial backing from the Kerala State Film Development Corporation’s (KSFDC) Women’s Empowerment scheme. This vital support not only provided financial impetus but also granted access to essential production facilities, breathing new life into her dream project.
‘Victoria’ first graced the screens at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in 2024, immediately garnering attention for its distinctive setting and compelling narrative. The film intricately weaves the tale of Victoria, a young beautician, who finds herself at a crossroads, planning to elope with her Hindu boyfriend against the staunch disapproval of her conservative Catholic family. Much of the film’s unfolding drama is set within the confines of a beauty parlour, where the plot takes an unexpected and intriguing turn: Victoria is entrusted with the peculiar task of caring for a sacrificial rooster, destined for a church ritual.
The genesis of this unique cinematic concept traces back five years to Sivaranjini’s hometown. It was there, inside a local beauty parlour, that she encountered a tied rooster – an image that deeply resonated with her and ultimately blossomed into the core idea for her script. SIFF officially unveiled ‘Victoria’s’ inclusion through their social media channels, commending the film for its originality and the compelling strength of its storytelling.
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