Casablanca Film Factory, the film production and distribution company founded by filmmaker Nirmal Baby Varghese, has celebrated its 10th anniversary. Established in 2016, the company says it has been associated with nearly 80 film projects across Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada and English during the past decade.
From short films and documentaries to feature films, digital distribution and international collaborations, Casablanca Film Factory has gradually expanded its activities across different areas of independent filmmaking.
| Casablanca Film Factory | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 |
| Founder & CEO | Nirmal Baby Varghese |
| Industry | Film Production and Distribution |
| Projects | Nearly 80 |
| Languages | Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, English and others |
| First Productions | Mirror of Reality, Mattam The Change |
| Notable Documentary | Thariode |
| Found Footage Film | Vazhiye |
| Upcoming Production | Disease X: The Zombie Experiment |
| International Project | Thariode: The Lost City |
Nirmal Baby Varghese on 10 Years of Casablanca Film Factory
Marking the company’s 10th anniversary, founder and CEO Nirmal Baby Varghese reflected on a journey that began independently in 2016 and has since grown to include nearly 80 projects.
He thanked the people who supported and worked with the company during the past decade, describing the journey as one filled with memories, challenges and collaborations. He also indicated that the company has a long way to go as it enters its next phase.
From Short Films to Thariode
The first productions under the Casablanca Film Factory banner were Mirror of Reality and Mattam The Change, two short films directed by Nirmal Baby Varghese in 2016.
The company later gained wider attention through the historical documentary Thariode, which received several honours, including a Kerala State Television Award.
Casablanca Film Factory subsequently expanded its activities into commercial filmmaking with Vazhiye in 2022. Described as the first found-footage film in Malayalam, the movie featured music by Hollywood composer Evan Evans.
The company followed it with the time-loop film Dreadful Chapters in 2024. Its 2025 productions included the Kannada film Anthima Kshanagalu and the English-language Alien Genesis: Beyond the Stars.
Film Distribution and OTT Activities
Alongside producing documentaries and feature films, Casablanca Film Factory has been involved in distributing movies through OTT platforms.
Its digital distribution activities have covered films in Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi and English, helping independent productions reach audiences through streaming services.
Among the Tamil titles associated with its distribution activities are Iravin Vizhigal, Thadai Athai Udai, Tholaivil Oru Kadhal, Yolo, Mailanchi and Promise.
Its Kannada distribution catalogue includes titles such as Obbattu, Appa I Love You, Nimbiya Banada Myaga Page 1, Rajadrohi, Wikipedia, Nenapugala Maatu Madhura, Atyuttama, Surya: Power of Love, Yadbhavam Tadbhavati, Daiva, Namma Bharatha, Aa Ondu Notu and Ambassador.
The company was also involved in bringing the Hindi comedy series Chunavi Chakkar to audiences through Dish TV Watcho.
Classic Hollywood Films in New Colour Versions
Another area of Casablanca Film Factory’s activities has been bringing new colour versions of classic Hollywood films to audiences.
The catalogue includes early and classic titles such as A Trip Down Market Street (1906), San Francisco Earthquake & Fire: April 18, 1906 (1906), Homer’s Odyssey (1911), The Kid (1921), Sherlock Holmes (1922), The Lost World (1925), Becky Sharp (1935), Master Hands (1936), Child Bride (1938) and The Middleton Family at the New York World’s Fair (1939).
Other titles include The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress (1944), Duck and Cover (1952), All My Babies: A Midwife’s Own Story (1953), Last Woman on Earth (1960), Dementia 13 (1963), The Last Man on Earth (1964), Manos: The Hands of Fate (1966) and Night of the Living Dead (1968).
Film Festivals Supporting Independent Cinema
Casablanca Film Factory has also organised film festivals and award initiatives intended to support independent filmmakers.
These include the Casablanca Film Factory Awards, Casablanca Film Factory Horror Film Festival, Casablanca Independent Film Fest and Vazhiye Indie Film Fest.
The initiatives form another part of the company’s activities beyond production and distribution.
Disease X: The Zombie Experiment
One of Casablanca Film Factory’s upcoming productions is Disease X: The Zombie Experiment, which is being developed in Malayalam and Tamil.
The project features Australian actor Roger Ward, known for films including Stone, The Man from Hong Kong, Irishman and Mad Max.
Disease X: The Zombie Experiment represents the company’s continuing expansion into projects involving international talent.
Thariode: The Lost City
Another major project in development is Thariode: The Lost City, a historical film conceived as a cinematic remake of the documentary Thariode.
The project is planned as an international collaboration involving actors, technicians and production companies from outside India, including participants from Hollywood.
As Casablanca Film Factory completes 10 years in the film industry, its journey from two short films in 2016 to involvement in nearly 80 projects reflects the company’s expansion across production, distribution, independent cinema initiatives and international collaborations.
