Internationally acclaimed singer Zeb Bangash to make her Malayalam debut in ‘Vadakkan’

Globally renowned singer Zeb Bangash, celebrated for her numerous Bollywood hits, makes her Malayalam playback debut with the song 'Rang Likha' from the highly anticipated supernatural horror thriller "Vadakkan". Having garnered attention at various international film festivals, "Vadakkan" is set for its theatrical release on March 7th.  

Directed by Bombay Malayali Sajeed A. in his directorial debut, "Vadakkan" stars South Indian actors Kishore and Swathi in pivotal roles.  

Zeb Bangash, active in the music industry since 2008, made her Bollywood debut in 2013 with "Madras Cafe". She later composed the soundtrack for the critically acclaimed "Lipstick Under My Burkha", which won 18 film awards. Throughout her career, Zeb has performed in Urdu, Pashto, Punjabi, Turkish, Persian, and Saraiki, among other languages. She has also been a prominent voice in celebrated television music shows like Coke Studio and Pepsi Battle of the Bands.  

For "Vadakkan", Zeb collaborates with renowned Malayalam composer Bijibal and acclaimed Bollywood lyricist Shellee to create a mesmerising romantic melody.  

Previously released tracks from "Vadakkan"—including the folk-inspired 'Kettingo Ninga' and the retro hip-hop number 'Mayyath Rap'—have already captivated audiences. The film's recently launched trailer hints at an enigmatic setting, paranormal occurrences, and a gripping storyline.  

Rooted in Dravidian folklore and ancient legends, "Vadakkan" integrates cutting-edge digital technology, graphics, and immersive sound and visual design. Academy Award-winning sound designer Resul Pookkutty helms the film's soundscape, while Unni R. pens the screenplay and dialogues. Bijibal has composed the film’s music, and a top-tier CGI team from India and overseas has crafted its VFX.  

Alongside Kishore and Swathi, the film features an ensemble cast including Merin Philip, Mala Parvathi, Ravi Venkataraman, Gargi Ananthan, Greeshma Alex, Kalesh Ramanand, Krishna Sankar, Aryan Kathooria, Meenakshi Unnikrishnan, Siraj Nassar, and Revathi.  

Having premiered in the Official Competition section at the prestigious 78th Festival Internazionale del Cinema di Salerno 2024 (Salerno International Film Festival), "Vadakkan" was also exclusively showcased at the Cannes Film Market's Fantastic Pavilion, a dedicated space for horror and fantasy cinema. The film was among the seven titles selected for a gala screening attended by celebrities and industry professionals from Bollywood and Hollywood. Notably, "Vadakkan" was the only Malayalam film featured in this segment.  

The film also made history at the Fright Night Film Festival in the US, winning Best Supernatural Thriller, and secured the Best Feature Film award at the Reims International Film Festival in France.  

"Vadakkan" is produced under the banner of Offbeet Studios, a division of Offbeet Media Group, the creative powerhouse behind 101India.com. Known for curating unconventional narratives, 101India.com has previously organised the NFT exhibition 'Myths and Memes' in Kochi in collaboration with Papaya Café. "Vadakkan" marks the studio's first venture into creating a unique cinematic universe rooted in ancient North Malabar folklore. The film is also set for a Kannada-language release.  

Director of Photography - Keiko Nakahara JSC, Sound Design - Resul Pookutty CAS MPSE  and Arunav Dutta, Re-Recording Mixers - Resul Pookutty CAS MPSE & Robin Kutty, Teaser Soundscape - Resul Pookutty & Bijibal, Writer - Unni R,  Editor - Sooraj ES, Music Composer - Bijibal, Lyrics  - B.K. Harinarayanan, Shellee, MC Couper, Production Designer - M Bava, Costume Designer -Khyati Lakhotia & Arun Manohar, Makeup - Narasimha Swamy, Hair Stylist - Unnimol and Chandrika, Action Director - Mafia Sasi and Ashraf Gurukul, Executive Producers - Sleeba Varghese & Susil Thomas

Production Controller - Sinjo Ottathyckal, Choreography - Madhu Gopinath, Vaikom Sajeev, Line Producers - Frankie Film & TV OY and All Time Filmy, VFX - Frost FX (Estonia), IVFX, Coconut Bunch Creations & Greymatter (India), Additional Cinematography - Finnish DP Linus Otsamo, Colorist - Andreas Brückl

DI Studio - PRIME FOCUS LTD., Marketing and Promotions - Shivakumar Raghav, Public Relations -  Athira Diljith, Digital Marketing - Obscura Entertainments, Poster Design - Yellowtooths, Audio Label - Offbeet Music, Stills - Sreejith Chettipady, Kerala Distribution - Dream Big Films.