Indrans' 'Private' selected for Moscow International Film Festival; Director Deepak Deon says, 'Cinema has the power to provoke thought'

Malayalam film 'Private' has been officially selected for screening at the 48th Moscow International Film Festival. The film, starring Indrans and Meenakshi Anoop, will be the only Malayalam entry at the prestigious event scheduled from April 16 to 23.



Director Deepak Deon’s work has already drawn critical attention for its exploration of freedom of expression and human rights.

Selection at Moscow festival

Indrans shared the news on his Facebook page. His caption read, "' പ്രൈവറ്റ് ' മോസ്കോ ഇന്റർനാഷണൽ ഫിലിം ഫെസ്റ്റിവലിലേക്ക്" ("'Private' selected for Moscow International Film Festival")

'Private' was chosen among films from across the world for the competitive section of the festival. For the unversed, the Moscow International Film Festival is one of the oldest and most respected film events globally.

Earlier screening at PK Rosy festival

'Private' was also selected for the PK Rosy Film Festival organised by Neelam Cultural Centre under filmmaker Pa. Ranjith’s Neelam Productions. The festival is set to be held in Chennai from April 8 to 12.

Director’s vision

In a chat with ETimes, director Deepak Deon said, "'PRIVATE ' comes from a deep concern about the shrinking space for freedom of expression and basic human rights. I have always been disturbed by how systems of power can slowly normalize control, silence voices, and make people believe they are powerless. PRIVATE is my response to that reality."

The talented filmmaker further told us, "The film is not just a story, but is a reflection of the world we are living in today—where questioning authority can become dangerous and silence is often mistaken for peace."

"Through this film I wanted to explore the psychological and emotional impact of such control on ordinary people. I believe cinema has the power to provoke thought and start conversations, and this film is my attempt to do that," Deepak concluded.

Story and cast of 'Private'

The film follows two strangers—an elderly man named Balan Marar (Indrans) and a teenage girl named Ashitha Begum (Meenakshi Anoop)—brought together by circumstance.

Annu Antony plays a significant supporting role and the film was shot across Theni, Pollachi, Coimbatore, Mysore, Kozhikode, and Kottayam.

CBFC controversy

'Private' had previously sparked controversy after intervention from the Central Board of Film Certification delayed its release. Initially scheduled for August 1 last year, the film hit theatres on October 10 following the board’s directives. This included several cuts before granting certification.

'Private’s selection for the Moscow International Film Festival marks a notable achievement for Malayalam cinema.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”