XYZ Films Acquires North American Rights to India’s Best International Oscar Entry
Malayalam film “Jallikattu,” India’s best international Oscar entry, about traditional bull-fighting, will be distributed in North America by XYZ Films. Deadline reported that XYZ Films will also executive produce the film, “and will be joining the team to spearhead the film’s Oscar campaign.” The film is currently available on Amazon Prime and will be available on other platforms starting in early 2021.
Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, the action thriller follows a buffalo that escapes the butcher’s hold when he is about to slaughter it. The beast runs helter-skelter, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. It is based on S. Hareesh’s acclaimed story “Maoist,” and stars Antony Varghese, Chemban Vinod Jose, Sabumon Abdusamad and Santhy Balachandran.
Also on board are executive producers Naushad Salahudin and Guneet Monga, who recently joined as EP, and is on board to help promote the film.
The film derives its name from the infamous, traditional bull-fighting sport of the same name in the state of Tamil Nadu. In the sport, a bull is released towards a crowd of people and participants, who try to grab the hump on the bull’s back with both their hands, while it tries to escape.
A favorite at the film festival circuit, “Jallikattu” premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last year, and was later screened at the Busan International Film Festival and other major venues including the Goa International Film Festival.