
Lights. Camera. Your Big Break!
The Big Shorts Challenge – Malayalam 2025 - Where Filmmakers Rise
ABC Talkies proudly presents the Big Shorts Challenge – Malayalam 2025. Whether you weave narratives with Dileesh Pothen’s depth, push boundaries like Lijo Jose Pelissery, or cut with the precision of Mahesh Narayanan – this is your platform. Shoot your vision, submit your film, and step into the spotlight.
Prizes & Victory Criteria
Open Category
₹50,000
Condition: Minimum 5,000 unique full-length
views.
Additional Prizes
₹20,000
Condition: Minimum 5,000 unique views.
Additional Prizes
₹20,000
Condition: Minimum 5,000 unique views.
Jury Awards
Jury Awards
Award + ₹1L Sponsorship
Jury Awards
₹30,000
Jury Awards
₹25,000
Jury Awards
₹20,000
Jury Awards
₹15,000
Jury Awards
₹15,000
⚡ General Conditions for Jury Awards
Meet the Jury

Dinjith Ayyathan

Madhupal Kannambathu

Jis Joy

Sooraj E.S.

Sajid Yahiya

Srikanth Murali
Submission Guidelines | ABC Talkies
Eligibility & Terms
Understand the guidelines and requirements before submitting your film.
- Open to: Malayalam short films produced between 1st January 2022 and 15th April 2025. (Previous TBSC participants are not eligible.)
- Film Duration: 5 – 30 minutes.
- Unlimited Entries: Enter as many films as you wish.
- Content Guidelines: No adult content, hate speech, or communal incitement. Violations will be disqualified.
- Jury Recognition: For Jury Awards, films must be submitted via the designated tab and garner a minimum of 1,000 complete views.
How to Participate

Visit abctalkies.com and Register. Registration for the Big Shorts Challenge Malayalam 2025 is simple and free.

Visit abctalkies.com/sign-in to login. You will be directed to the filmmaker Dashboard. If you don’t see it, click on the profile link at the top right and select switch to filmmaker profile. Complete your email verification and refresh the page.

Craft a Malayalam short film that captivates, moves, or disrupts. Prepare a striking banner and thumbnail along with an engaging synopsis, cast/crew details, and a trailer (30–60 sec).
- How to Upload Movie – Click here
- Banner: 1920 x 725px (Max 5MB) – Download PSD
- Thumbnail: 288 x 424px (Max 1MB) – Download PSD

Competing for ‘Highest Views’ Award is FREE. For consideration under the exclusive Jury Awards, a ₹499 submission fee ensures you get that extra spotlight. Select this option in the last step before submission.

Spread the word on social media, drive unique views, and watch the rewards roll in. What’s more? You earn ₹1 per unique view, effectively recouping your submission fee!

With every detail in place, upload your film by 15th April 2025 and step into the big league of Malayalam cinema.
Save the Dates
Registration Open
20th Feb 2025 onwards
20th Feb 2025 onwards
Starting of Orientation Webinar
10th Mar to 12 march 2025
10th Mar to 12 march 2025
Starting of Film Marketing Webinar
2nd Apr 2025
2nd Apr 2025
Submission Deadline
15th April 2025
15th April 2025
Starting of Viewing/Judging
20th Apr 2025 – 31st May 2025
20th Apr 2025 – 31st May 2025
Starting of Results Announcement
June 2025 (TBC)
June 2025 (TBC)
About the Big Shorts Challenge
Welcome to a world where storytelling meets opportunity. The Big Shorts Challenge, presented by ABC Talkies, is not just a competition; it’s a beacon for young and independent filmmakers to shine. We’ve created a vibrant arena where creativity is not only showcased but rewarded, offering filmmakers the chance to engage a vast audience and monetize their talent.
At the heart of our initiative is a simple belief: great storytelling deserves recognition and revenue. The Big Shorts Challenge ensures that captivating films can also earn, making “Win Big” a reality.
We’ve removed barriers, giving every eligible story a stage without selection or rejection. Filmmakers’ visions get the spotlight, with the audience deciding the next big hit. By running the contest directly on our OTT platform the only one in India to do so we provide unmatched exposure and a chance for creators to earn, bridging the gap between passion and sustainability.
Previous Editions
- First Edition (Jan 2022): A groundbreaking start with a young filmmaker from Karnataka clinching the ₹50,000 prize.
- Second Edition (2023): Highlighting films from Northeast India and marking a diverse cinematic journey.
- Third Edition (Mar 2024): Held in Kerala with over 250 registrations and 75+ vibrant entries.
- Fourth Edition (Dec 2024): The TBSC Tamil edition witnessed record participation with over 300 filmmaker registrations.
