Manju Warrier shares 1st look of ‘Victoria: Meenakshi Jayan’s poignant portrayal of faith and freedom

Kozhikode: The first-look poster of 'Victoria', an acclaimed Malayalam feature that has been making waves on the international festival circuit, was unveiled on Tuesday by actor Manju Warrier through her social media platforms.

The film, headlined by Meenakshi Jayan, marks the directorial debut of Sivaranjini J, a filmmaker who has already earned recognition for her sensitive and layered storytelling.

Premiered at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in the Malayalam Cinema Today category, 'Victoria' explores themes of personal freedom, family conflict, and identity through the life of its titular protagonist.

Meenakshi essays the role of a young Catholic beautician from a small town in Kerala who plans to elope with her Hindu boyfriend, defying her conservative parents.

However, what begins as a simple plan spirals into a day of chaos and introspection — she must juggle quirky salon clients, tend to a neighbour’s festival rooster, and face a series of emotional confrontations that force her to question her choices and beliefs.

The film, which blends subtle humour with poignant social commentary, features a strong supporting cast including State Award-winning actor Sreeshma Chandran, Jolly Chirayath, Steeja Mary, Darsana Vikas, Jeena Rajeev, and Remadevi.

'Victoria' is produced by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) under the state government’s Women Empowerment Grant — a scheme aimed at encouraging female voices in cinema both behind and in front of the camera.

The technical team includes cinematographer Anand Ravi, editor Sivaranjini herself, and music composer Abhaydev Praful.

The film’s grounded aesthetic and naturalistic visuals have drawn comparisons to the works of filmmakers like Jeo Baby and Anjali Menon, with early reviewers praising Sivaranjini’s keen eye for everyday emotions.

Earlier this year, 'Victoria' competed in the Asian New Talent section at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, where Meenakshi Jayan won the prestigious Golden Goblet Award for Best Actress, making her one of the few Indian performers to receive the honour.

Since then, the film has been screened at several international festivals, including Busan, Tokyo, and Cairo, earning critical acclaim for its feminist undertones and authentic portrayal of Kerala’s cultural complexities.

'Victoria' is is expected to release in theatres across Kerala later this year, following its successful global festival run.