I am really grateful the jury could connect to the film: Sajin Baabu

Sajin Baabu’s Biriyaani won the Special Jury Award at the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFES) for "a powerful portrayal of the struggles and plight of suppressed women in society." The film chronicles the life of Khadija, who is confined within the walls of her house, concealing her desires due to traditional mores. When she is abandoned by her husband, she decides to take control of her life. But she finds that, as a woman, she is exploited by society in different ways. 

Although the film was not selected at International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), it has been winning recognition at other festivals internationally. Expressing his joy at winning the award, the director said, “I am really grateful to the jury that they could connect with the film. That’s why I got the award. But the Malayali jury in IFFK, I do not know why they did not select the film. It won the NETPAC Award at the Asiatica Film Festival in Rome and was selected in France, America, Madrid, Nepal and is travelling to so many festivals." 

He added, "This is the second award for the film in Bangalore. Even in Kerala, it was selected at Kazhcha Film Festival, the Thrissur International Film Festival and the Kottayam festival. Everybody wants the movie, but I do not know what happened with the IFFK jury. It’s a very precious festival and I would have liked to screen my movie there. Unfortunately they did not select my movie.” 

Speaking about his plans for the film, Baabu said, “Right now, we are travelling to various festivals and also planning to release the movie in Kerala. I am happy because the two shows here were housefull. I am getting so many Facebook messages from people, who could not watch the film, so I am very happy.”

Babu's debut feature, Unto the Dusk (2014) won the Best Feature Film at BIFFES in 2014.