Bramayugam Academy museum screening: Mammootty's folk-horror makes history in Los Angeles

The news of the Bramayugam academy museum screening has sparked widespread celebration among cinema lovers. While mainstream award juries often overlook experimental masterpieces, the global cinematic stage has a different way of balancing the scales. In a landmark achievement for Indian regional cinema, the folk-horror sensation Bramayugam is heading to a destination most films only dream of: the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.

For many, this selection at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures acts as a direct rebuttal to the film being overlooked for major honors at the 71st National Film Awards. Veteran actor Prakash Raj, who has consistently championed the film, famously noted that Mammootty’s performance as Kodumon Potti transcended regional boundaries, a sentiment now echoed by Hollywood curators.

The Oscar Space Entry: A Contrast to National Awards

The selection of Bramayugam for this prestigious honor feels like a poetic response to its perceived "snub" at the National Film Awards. Despite the film's massive critical acclaim and technical brilliance, it famously failed to secure major wins at the 71st National Film Awards—a decision that sparked widespread outrage.


Veteran actor-filmmaker Prakash Raj, who chaired the 55th Kerala State Film Awards jury where Mammootty was crowned Best Actor, voiced his sharp criticism of the national snub. According to reports from The Economic Times and The Times of India, Prakash Raj stated that the national jury "does not deserve Mammootty," labeling the omission of his performance as Kodumon Potti as a failure to recognize true artistry. Now, the Academy’s recognition serves as a global validation of that very artistry.

Rahul Sadasivan Shares a Heartfelt Milestone

Director Rahul Sadasivan officially confirmed the news through a social media post that quickly went viral. Expressing his overwhelming gratitude, he wrote: "Bramayugam comes from the stories I grew up hearing, the fears that stayed, the silences that never left. To see it resonate beyond language and geography is overwhelming. Grateful to the cast, crew, and everyone who brought this vision to life. The only Indian film at the Academy Museum’s 'Where the Forest Meets the Sea' series, Los Angeles—February 12, 2026." This marks a historic first, as it is the first time a film starring the legendary Mammootty will be showcased at the Academy Museum.

Check Rahul Sadasivan's post here:

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A post shared by Rahul Sadasivan (@rahul_madking)

Standing Tall Among Global Horror Classics

The screening will take place on February 12, 2026, as part of the curated series 'Where the Forest Meets the Sea', which runs from January 10 to February 12. This program celebrates cinema inspired by global folk tales, placing Bramayugam alongside world-renowned masterpieces such as Midsommar (2019), The Witch (2015), The Wicker Man (1973), Onibaba (1965) and Häxan (1922).

Social Media and Industry Reactions

The announcement has triggered a wave of pride across social media. Fans have hailed Sadasivan as a visionary, with one user noting, "We got Robert Eggers, Ari Aster, and Jordan Peele rolled into one guy." Others emphasized the significance of the achievement, calling it a "truly deserving" moment for a film that pushed the boundaries of the horror genre in India with its atmospheric black-and-white cinematography.

Rahul Sadasivan’s Growing Legacy

Following the success of Bramayugam, Rahul Sadasivan recently released the horror drama Dies Irae, starring Pranav Mohanlal. While Dies Irae ventured into a more modern setting, it continued Sadasivan's trend of box-office success, grossing over ₹40 crore in India net. An ETimes review praised Sadasivan’s ability to "weave magic" and create chills in everyday moments, cementing his status as one of India’s premier folk-horror directors.