3 weeks ago
Excel Entertainment Backs Malayalam Vampire Thriller 'Half' for TIFF
A new movie called 'Half' is on its way to the big screen.
It is an action story about two half-blooded vampires.
The vampires go on a fast and exciting revenge mission.
Unlike many vampire movies, this one has real-time action instead of slow-motion scenes.
The movie was filmed over 117 days in Rajasthan, Kerala and Kazakhstan.
It will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, also known as TIFF.
Two famous Indian filmmakers, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, really liked the movie.
Their company, Excel Entertainment, will help show the Hindi version across North India along with AA Films.
The movie will also be released in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada, so many people in India can watch it.
Excel Entertainment, founded by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, will present and distribute the Hindi version of 'Half' across North India in association with AA Films.
'Half' was selected for TIFF's Midnight Madness section, marking Excel Entertainment's first Malayalam-language acquisition.
Directed by Samjad and co-written with Praveen Viswanath, the film stars Ranjith Sajeev, Aiswarya Raj, Abbas and Amala Paul.
The action thriller follows two half-blooded vampires on a violent revenge mission, mixing vampire mythology with high-speed chases.
Filmed over 117 days across Rajasthan, Kerala and Kazakhstan, 'Half' is planned for a pan-India release in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada.
- Who
- Excel Entertainment co-founders Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, AA Films, director Samjad, co-writer Praveen Viswanath, producers Anne Sajeev and Sajeev P.K., and cast members Ranjith Sajeev, Aiswarya Raj, Abbas and Amala Paul.
- What
- Excel Entertainment will present and distribute the Hindi version of the Malayalam vampire action thriller 'Half' across North India in association with AA Films, ahead of its world premiere in TIFF's Midnight Madness section.
- Where
- North India for the Hindi release; filmed across Rajasthan, Kerala and Kazakhstan; premiering at TIFF in Toronto.
- When
- Ahead of the film's world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, following a 117-day shoot.
- Why
- To bring the film to audiences beyond its home market; the acquisition also marks Excel Entertainment's first entry into Malayalam cinema.
Key facts
- Film
- 'Half' (Malayalam vampire action thriller)
- Director
- Samjad (co-written with Praveen Viswanath)
- Cast
- Ranjith Sajeev, Aiswarya Raj, Abbas, Amala Paul
- Producers
- Anne Sajeev and Sajeev P.K. (Fragrant Nature Film Creations)
- Distribution
- Excel Entertainment and AA Films (Hindi, North India)
- Festival Selection
- Midnight Madness section, Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
- Shoot Details
- 117 days across Rajasthan, Kerala and Kazakhstan
- Release Plan
- Pan-India in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada
Quotes
Ritesh Sidhwani
Co‑founder of Excel Entertainment, producer
“"There’s something raw and visceral in Samjad’s presentation that really got my attention. It grabs you by the intestines and just doesn’t let go. Absolutely thrilled to be on board and take this film to the audience."”
telegraphindia.com
“Half stood out from the first viewing because of its distinctive cinematic style and creative vision, adding that he was looking forward to audiences experiencing it on the big screen.”
easterneye.biz
Anne Sajeev
Co‑producer at FNFC
“"Every film begins with a dream, but only a few are fortunate enough to find an audience beyond where they were born."”
telegraphindia.com
“The film offers a grittier take on vampire lore by avoiding slow‑motion sequences and focusing on real‑time action.”
easterneye.biz
Sources
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