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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

Achieve success in ‘The Big Shorts Challenge’ by drawing the largest unique audience and impressing our esteemed Jury. Win from a prize pool of up to ₹3,00,000.

Open Category

₹50,000

Highest Viewed Film Award

Condition: Minimum 5,000 unique full-length
views.

Additional Prizes

₹20,000

Top Performing College

Condition: Minimum 5,000 unique views.

Additional Prizes

₹20,000

Top Performing College

Condition: Minimum 5,000 unique views.

Jury Awards

Jury Awards

Award + ₹1L Sponsorship

Most Promising Filmmake

Jury Awards

₹30,000

Best Short Film

Jury Awards

₹25,000

Best Director

Jury Awards

₹20,000

Best DOP

Jury Awards

₹15,000

Best Screenplay

Jury Awards

₹15,000

Best Editor

⚡ General Conditions for Jury Awards

Films must be submitted via the Jury Awards section with a minimum of 1,000 unique views. Prizes are credited post-tax within 7 days. In case of ties, prizes will be shared equally. Jury decisions are final.

Meet the Jury

Discover the visionaries shaping the future of cinema through their experience and expertise.
jury-1

Dinjith Ayyathan

Renowned Film Director
jury-2

Madhupal Kannambathu

Actor, Director & Screenwriter
jury-3

Jis Joy

Director, Writer, Lyricist & Dubbing Artist
jury-4

Sooraj E.S.

Renowned Film Editor
jury-5

Sajid Yahiya

Producer, Director, Actor & Music Composer
jury-6

Srikanth Murali

Actor, Director & Ad Filmmaker
Submission Guidelines | ABC Talkies

Eligibility & Terms

Understand the guidelines and requirements before submitting your film.


How to Participate

Explore how ABC Talkies empowers filmmakers to bring their stories to life through a smooth and structured process designed for creators.
Register-Tab

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.

Create-Upload-Tab

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).

Free-Fees-Tab

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.

amplify-Reach-Tab

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!

Claim-Spotlight-Tab

With every detail in place, upload your film by 15th April 2025 and step into the big league of Malayalam cinema.

Important Dates

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)

Your Opportunity | ABC Talkies

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.

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