Half, the upcoming Malayalam vampire action thriller produced by Fragrant Nature Film Creations, is set to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2026. The film has been officially selected for the prestigious Midnight Madness section, where it will be showcased during the festival in September.
Directed by Samjad, Half stars Ranjith Sajeev, Aishwarya Raj, Abbas, and Amala Paul in pivotal roles. Blending vampire mythology with road action, revenge, and emotional storytelling, the film promises a fresh cinematic experience for audiences.
Half Selected for TIFF Midnight Madness
The film’s selection for the Midnight Madness category marks a significant milestone for Malayalam cinema on the international stage. The section is renowned for screening bold, genre-defining films that push creative boundaries, making Half one of the notable Indian entries at this year’s festival.
Cast and Crew
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie | Half |
| Genre | Vampire Action Thriller |
| Director | Samjad |
| Producers | Ann Sajeev, Sajeev P.K. |
| Production House | Fragrant Nature Film Creations |
| Writer | Praveen Viswanath |
| Cast | Ranjith Sajeev, Aishwarya Raj, Abbas, Amala Paul |
| Festival Premiere | Toronto International Film Festival 2026 |
| Section | Midnight Madness |
Story
Half revolves around the lives of two half-blood vampires, combining supernatural mythology with road action and revenge. The makers describe the film as a unique blend of intense action, emotional drama, and fantasy, setting it apart from conventional Indian genre films.
Excel Entertainment and AA Films Join Distribution
The film has also secured a major distribution partnership for North India. Excel Entertainment and AA Films will jointly present and distribute the Hindi version across North India, marking Excel Entertainment’s first collaboration with the Malayalam film industry.
Speaking about the project, Ritesh Sidhwani, co-founder of Excel Entertainment, said the film immediately stood out because of its originality, distinctive cinematic voice, and strong creative vision. He expressed excitement about supporting the film’s theatrical journey.
Co-founder Farhan Akhtar also praised director Samjad’s storytelling, describing the film as emotionally raw and visually compelling. He added that he looks forward to introducing the film to a wider audience.
International Action Team
The action sequences have been choreographed by Very Tri Yulisman, known internationally for his work on acclaimed action films including The Raid 2 and The Night Comes for Us.
Yulisman reportedly trained lead actors Ranjith Sajeev and Aishwarya Raj for several months, enabling them to perform many of their own stunts. Unlike traditional Indian action films, Half is designed with zero slow-motion action sequences, focusing instead on realistic, fast-paced combat.
Technical Crew
The film features an accomplished technical team:
| Department | Crew |
|---|---|
| Editor | Mahesh Bhuvanend (National Award Winner) |
| Production Designer | Mohandas (National Award Winner) |
| Cinematographer | Pappinu |
| Music | Mithun Mukundan |
| Sound Designer | Vishnu Govind (National Award Winner) |
| Action Choreographer | Very Tri Yulisman |
Filmed Across Three Countries
Half was filmed over 117 days across diverse locations, including:
- Rajasthan deserts
- Kerala hill stations
- Snow-covered landscapes of Kazakhstan
The makers say these varied locations help create a visually expansive world for the film.
Pan-India Release Planned
Following its festival premiere, Half will receive a Pan-India theatrical release in:
- Malayalam
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Hindi
- Kannada
The global theatrical release date will be announced at a later stage.
Second Collaboration After Golam
Half marks the second collaboration between Fragrant Nature Film Creations, director Samjad, and writer Praveen Viswanath, following the 2024 murder investigation thriller Golam, which starred Ranjith Sajeev and Dileesh Pothan.
With its TIFF premiere, international action choreography, and unique vampire-themed narrative, Half is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Malayalam genre films in recent years.
