Malayalam film 'Half' makes history at TIFF 2026 Midnight Madness
Synopsis
'Half' has done what no Malayalam film has before — landed in TIFF's Midnight Madness, a section that celebrates genre-defying, boundary-pushing cinema. With a packed house, standing applause, and global distribution already in place via Excel Entertainment and BFF, this isn't just a festival moment — it could be Malayalam cinema's boldest international breakthrough yet.
Key Takeaways
'Half' , directed by Samjad PS , has become the first Malayalam film screened in the Midnight Madness section of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) .
The film is produced by Anne Sajeev and P.
Sajeev under Fragrant Nature Film Creations .
Lead actors Ranjith Sajeev and Aiswarya Raj participated in the post-screening Q&A alongside the director and technical team.
Fight choreography by Very Tri Yulisman and sound design by Vishnu Govind drew specific audience praise.
Excel Entertainment and AA Films are handling North India distribution; international sales rights are with Best Friend Forever (BFF) .
Director Samjad PS's film 'Half' has created a landmark moment for Indian cinema by becoming the first Malayalam film ever to be selected and screened in the prestigious Midnight Madness section of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The screening drew an electrifying response from a packed international audience, with the energy reportedly carrying well into the post-screening session.
A Historic Night at TIFF
Sources present at the venue described the atmosphere inside the theatre as charged and celebratory, with the audience erupting in applause at multiple points during the film. The raw, unconventional, and immersive cinematic experience of 'Half' left a strong impression on viewers, according to those in attendance. The Midnight Madness section — known for championing bold, genre-defying cinema — has rarely featured South Asian entries, making 'Half''s inclusion a significant milestone for Malayalam filmmaking.
The Team Behind the Film
Produced by Anne Sajeev and P. K. Sajeev under the banner of Fragrant Nature Film Creations, the film features lead actors Ranjith Sajeev and Aiswarya Raj in central roles. The technical team includes cinematographer Pappinu, editor Mahesh Bhuvanend, music composer Mithun Mukundan, and sound designer Vishnu Govind. Fight choreography by Very Tri Yulisman drew particular attention from international audiences, emerging as a major talking point during discussions.
Q&A Session: Audience Engagement
Director Samjad PS, both producers, lead actors Ranjith Sajeev and Aiswarya Raj, music composer Mithun Mukundan, and sound designer Vishnu Govind all participated in the post-screening Q&A session. Audience members engaged the team on the film's themes, visual language, music, sound design, and performances. The action sequences and the performances of the two leads were reportedly among the most discussed elements of the session.
Global Distribution and What Comes Next
'Half''s international footprint has been bolstered by a set of notable partnerships. Excel Entertainment and AA Films are presenting and distributing the film across North India, while its international sales rights have been acquired by Best Friend Forever (BFF). The TIFF debut positions the film strongly for wider festival circulation and theatrical release. This comes amid a growing global recognition of Malayalam cinema, which has seen increasing crossover appeal in recent years following international success stories from the industry.
Point of View
Not a courtesy nod to South Asian diversity. What makes this moment structurally significant is the distribution setup: with Excel Entertainment in North India and BFF on international sales, the film is primed to convert festival heat into market reach — the one step most Indian festival films fail to make. Malayalam cinema has had critical wins before, but a Midnight Madness berth, backed by a real distribution stack, is a different kind of signal.
NationPress
19 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Midnight Madness section at TIFF?
The Midnight Madness section at the Toronto International Film Festival is a curated programme dedicated to bold, genre-defying, and boundary-pushing films. It has historically premiered several globally acclaimed genre films and is considered a prestigious platform for unconventional cinema.
Why is 'Half' historic for Malayalam cinema?
'Half' is the first Malayalam film to be selected and screened in the Midnight Madness section of TIFF, marking a significant milestone for the Malayalam film industry's international recognition. The selection signals a curatorial endorsement from one of the world's most prominent film festivals.
Who directed and produced 'Half'?
'Half' is directed by Samjad PS and produced by Anne Sajeev and P. K. Sajeev under the banner of Fragrant Nature Film Creations. The film stars Ranjith Sajeev and Aiswarya Raj in the lead roles.
How will 'Half' be distributed?
Excel Entertainment and AA Films are presenting and distributing 'Half' across North India. The film's international sales rights have been acquired by Best Friend Forever (BFF), positioning it for wider global theatrical and festival reach.
What were the audience reactions to 'Half' at TIFF?
Audiences at the packed TIFF screening reportedly responded with electrifying energy, with applause breaking out at multiple moments during the film. The Q&A session after the screening saw active engagement on the film's themes, action sequences, music, and performances.
