‘Theatre: The Myth of Reality’ wins Grand Prix at Russia’s Western Gate Film Festival

Malayalam filmmaker Sajin Babu’s Theatre: The Myth of Reality has won the Grand Prix award for Best Film at the 7th Western Gate International Film Festival in Russia.

The film, starring Rima Kallingal and Sarasa Balussery, was the only Indian film in the competition section. It was produced by Anjana Philip and Philip Zacharia under Anjana Talkies.

The 2025 Malayalam film explores themes of social media influence and sexual exploitation, while also portraying Kerala’s vanishing customs and traditions.

Held in Pskov from July 23 to 26, the festival saw Theatre: The Myth of Reality competing with films from India, Kazakhstan, Belgium, China, Tajikistan, Hungary and Russia. The Grand Prix winner was selected by the International Competition jury along with an audience poll.

The jury was chaired by acclaimed Russian director, screenwriter and producer Alexey German Jr. It also included film critic and researcher Vasily Stepanov, musician and screenwriter Alexey Rybin, Uzbekistan-based actor-director Rustam Sagdullaev, and Armenian director Edgar Baghdasaryan.