Don Palathara’s film ‘Monkey Play’ has been chosen for VIFF’s inaugural Works-in-Progress Lab, highlighting its significance in the film festival circuit.
Indian filmmaker Don Palathara's upcoming drama, Monkey Play (Kurangukali), is making headlines after being selected for the inaugural Works-in-Progress Lab at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF). The announcement was made on September 18, 2026, and the film will be part of a program showcasing eight feature-length projects in their final production stages, according to Variety.
Monkey Play explores the emotional and psychological challenges faced by a grieving couple, Sethu and Nikita, following the loss of their young daughter. Their retreat to an isolated house in the hills of Idukki, Kerala, takes a turn when Sethu encounters a feral child in the forest. This unexpected encounter disrupts their fragile relationship and forces them to navigate the complexities of grief and memory.
Palathara, known for films like 1956, Central Travancore and Family, emphasizes the emotional exploration in his cinematic work. He describes Monkey Play as delving into "the biggest fear of any parent," focusing on how the mind copes with the absence of a loved one. The film blends elements of psychological thriller and drama, set against the backdrop of Idukki’s landscape, creating a narrative that intertwines reality and perception.
The Works-in-Progress Lab is slated for October 5-6, as part of the broader Vancouver Film Festival, which runs from October 1-11. The program features both Canadian and international projects, providing an invaluable platform for filmmakers to engage with industry professionals and potential audiences.
This lab's focus on films in their final stages of production highlights its potential to propel projects like Monkey Play into a broader spotlight, thereby increasing opportunities for distribution and engagement with global audiences.
Palathara's previous works often tackle intricate social realities with a meditative narrative style. His 2023 film, Family, premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and showcased his adeptness at blending nuanced storytelling with emotional depth. With Monkey Play, he continues to explore human relationships through the lens of grief, making it a compelling addition to his oeuvre.
The film features a talented cast, including Dileesh Pothan, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Rajesh Madhavan, and Arjun Radhakrishnan. The production is backed by Artisan Films, alongside Mankind Cinemas and Guardian Angel Films, with a team of experienced producers contributing to its development.
The selection of Monkey Play for the VIFF Works-in-Progress Lab is a significant acknowledgment of Don Palathara's storytelling talents. It could potentially enhance visibility for the film among industry stakeholders and festival-goers. As a project focused on deep emotional themes, its presentation is likely to resonate with audiences drawn to socially relevant narratives, increasing anticipation for its release.
This development underscores the importance of platforms like VIFF in fostering global cinema and supporting directors who explore complex human experiences. As the festival approaches, more details may emerge regarding the film and its plans for future distribution.
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