Malayalam cinema has achieved another significant international milestone with director Samjad PS’s upcoming film Half. The movie has become the first Malayalam film to be screened in the prestigious Midnight Madness section of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The screening took place during TIFF 2026 and attracted an enthusiastic response from international audiences.
The achievement marks an important moment for Malayalam cinema, particularly because Midnight Madness is known for showcasing bold and genre-driven films. Half brought its distinctive cinematic world to an international audience, combining elements of vampire mythology, action and Western-style storytelling.
Half Gets Strong Response at TIFF
The screening of Half reportedly received an energetic response from the packed theatre. Audiences applauded at several points during the screening, while the excitement continued during the post-screening question-and-answer session.
Director Samjad PS, producers Anne Sajeev and P. K. Sajeev, lead actors Ranjith Sajeev and Aiswarya Raj, composer Mithun Mukundan and sound designer Vishnu Govind participated in the interaction with viewers.
The team discussed the film’s theme, filmmaking process, visual language, music, sound design and performances. The audience also showed interest in the characters played by the lead actors.
Ranjith Sajeev and Aiswarya Raj’s Performances Get Attention
The performances of Ranjith Sajeev and Aiswarya Raj emerged as one of the highlights of the post-screening discussion. Viewers asked the actors about their respective characters and the process of bringing them to life.
The film’s intense setting and unusual premise required the actors to work within a world that combines supernatural elements with action and Western influences.
The audience interaction gave the lead stars an opportunity to discuss their characters and the challenges involved in portraying them.
Action Sequences Become a Talking Point
The action sequences in Half also attracted considerable attention during the TIFF discussion. Fight choreography by Very Tri Yulisman was particularly highlighted by viewers.
The film combines its action with an atmospheric visual treatment, while music and sound design play an important role in building its intense cinematic environment.
Composer Mithun Mukundan has created the music, while Vishnu Govind has handled the sound design. The technical aspects were also discussed during the post-screening Q&A.
What Is Half About?
Half follows two half-blood vampire twins, Ethan and Ivy, played by Ranjith Sajeev and Aiswarya Raj. The siblings are travelling through a desert when they encounter a ruthless gang of robbers.
After being brutally attacked and injured, the twins set out on a journey of revenge. The story combines vampire mythology, martial arts and Western-style action, giving the film an unusual genre identity.
The movie has been described as an Indian vampire western, bringing together supernatural storytelling and action-driven filmmaking.
Strong Technical Team Behind Half
Along with its distinctive concept, Half features a technical team responsible for creating its visual and atmospheric world.
Pappinu has handled the cinematography, while Mahesh Bhuvanend is the editor. Vishnu Govind is responsible for the sound design, while Mithun Mukundan has composed the music.
The combination of cinematography, editing, action choreography, music and sound design became an important part of the film's presentation at TIFF.
Half’s International Journey
The TIFF selection has also strengthened Half’s international journey. The film is produced by Anne Sajeev and P. K. Sajeev under the banner of Fragrant Nature Film Creations.
Excel Entertainment and AA Films are presenting and distributing the film across North India. Meanwhile, international sales rights have been acquired by Best Friend Forever (BFF).
With its selection in TIFF’s Midnight Madness section, Half has already attracted attention beyond the Malayalam-speaking audience. The film’s unique genre combination and international festival exposure could introduce its distinctive storytelling style to a wider audience.
Malayalam Cinema Reaches Another International Milestone
The success of Half at TIFF adds another chapter to the growing international presence of Malayalam cinema. The film’s selection as the first Malayalam entry in the Midnight Madness section gives it a notable place in the history of the festival.
From its vampire-themed story to its action sequences and immersive sound design, Half has generated interest among international viewers even before its wider release.
For Samjad PS and the team behind the film, the TIFF screening represents an important step in taking a Malayalam genre film to a global festival audience.
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