PremiumHalf: After zombies, Golam maker Samjad gears up for a vampire action-thriller in Malayalam
In an exclusive chat with Samjad, who had previously directed the thriller film Golam, spilled some beans about his upcoming Malayalam movie Half, touted to be a vampire action-thriller in Malayalam
Last Updated: 04.27 PM, Jan 03, 2025
Malayalam cinema seems to be entering into the eerie realm of supernatural beings in 2025. After Gaganachari director Arun Chandu's Vala and zombie movie Jambi were announced, a vampire film has been announced in Malayalam – titled Half! Surprised that Malayalam cinema, known for taking the middle path between art and commercial cinema, is entering into such spooky realms? Well, we are too! OTTplay caught up with Half director Samjad, who shared some exclusive updates about this film on ‘half vampires’.
Half is a vampire action thriller: Samjad
In an exclusive chat with Samjad, who had previously directed the thriller film Golam, spilled some beans about his upcoming Malayalam movie Half.
Explaining the genre of the film, Samjad said that the movie is a vampire action thriller and not a horror vampire movie.
“It is a vampire action thriller. The film will focus more on action and fights. Like we have said in the tagline of Half – it will narrate the story of two half-vampires (half human and half vampire). Ranjith Sajeev (who starred in Golam) will play one of the vampires,” Samjad explained.
Prod him about the female lead of the movie, Samjad admits that the other half-vampire would be played by an actress but was reluctant to give a name as discussions are ongoing. “The talks are on. There are some date issues, so can’t reveal the name now. Will make the announcement of the female lead soon though,” promised the director, who made his debut with Golam.
Revealing further about the cast, Samjad said that actors outside of Kerala would also be part of the cast. And as it is an action-packed film, even for fight choreography they have roped in experts from outside the state.
“Exciting action – that's the highlight of the movie,” he quipped.
A poster of Half was released recently, which stated - ‘Vampires, Vengeance, and much more... Unveiling "HALF".. Get ready to witness full-throttle action.’
Not just the lead hero, Samjad would be collaborating with his Golam co-writer Praveen for jointly penning the script as well. A sequel of Golam was also announced earlier.
Half to go on floors in March
The pre-production is already underway and considering the genre, it would take time. The shooting will begin in March, the young filmmaker said, and that the team plans to release the film by the end of this year.
Samjad on zombie movies in Malayalam
Ask him about other zombie movies - Arun Chandu’s Vala and George Kora's Jambi, Samjad said that it looks like 2025 is the year of zombies and vampires.
Also read: Vala: Arun Chandu reunites with Gaganachari cast for another sci-fi adventure | First look out
“I am also excited about these movies being made in Malayalam. The reason I chose to do a vampire film after Golam is also that it is exciting to venture into such genres that are not much explored, at least in Malayalam,” he remarked.
Vala stars Gokul Suresh, Aju Varghese, and Anarkali Marikar, while Jambi will feature Pearle Maaney.