The Malayalam film Ullozhukku, written and directed by debut filmmaker Christo Tomy, has made waves by securing a place for its screenplay in the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscars) Library. Released in cinemas on June 21, 2024, the film has been well-received by audiences, now earning both national and international recognition. Celebrated actress Parvathy Thiruvothu stars in Ullozhukku alongside Urvashi, Arjun Radhakrishnan, and Prasant Murali in a narrative that has captured the attention of both critics and fans alike.
The inclusion of Ullozhukku in the Oscars Library is an extraordinary honor, often reserved for screenplays with remarkable storytelling and craftsmanship. Christo Tomy announced the accomplishment on social media, where fellow directors, actors, and fans flooded the comments with congratulations. Notable figures, including casting director Tess Joseph and director Shlok Sharma, commended Tomy’s work, marking it as a significant moment for Malayalam cinema on the global stage.
In addition to the Oscars Library achievement, Ullozhukku was screened at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA), held at the Sunset Boulevard Theatre. Director Christo Tomy and lead actress Parvathy Thiruvothu attended the event, celebrating with an audience that included high-profile personalities and Kerala’s Minister of Higher Education, R. Bindu. This screening not only marked Ullozhukku's entry onto the international scene but also brought critical acclaim from the South Asian diaspora and cinema enthusiasts worldwide.
Tomy traces the origins of Ullozhukku to a deeply personal source of inspiration. The story draws from his experiences in Kuttanad, a flood-prone region in Kerala, where Tomy’s family faced a long wait during the 2005 flood to conduct his grandfather’s funeral. These personal experiences, as Tomy shared in an interview, profoundly influenced the story’s development and themes, giving it a grounded, authentic edge. In 2018, Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani organised the National Screenplay Competition, which catapulted his screenplay to prominence.
Beyond Ullozhukku, Christo Tomy is recognized for his work on socially and culturally relevant projects, including "Curry and Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case," "A Window of Time: Lockdown Diaries," "Sweetheart," and "Virgin," with "Virgin" winning the National Film Award for Best Short Fiction Film. Tomy’s storytelling often reflects his keen observational lens and a commitment to capturing the intricacies of human experience and societal issues.
The Oscars Library recognition of Ullozhukku highlights the evolving global appreciation for Malayalam cinema, which has gained traction for its unique storytelling and robust narratives. The success of Ullozhukku not only reinforces Malayalam cinema’s influence but also celebrates the rich narratives emerging from regional Indian cinema.
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