Malayalam short film ‘The Secret Messengers’ reimagines aliens in an Indian cultural setting

Malayalam short film The Secret Messengers directed by PGS Sooraj discusses whether aliens are living among us or not

The world is still divided on the answer to the question whether aliens exist. The Secret Messengers, a short film by PGS Sooraj, has explored the concept from an Indian, rather a South Indian context.

The 19-minute short, devoid of dialogue, is set in a South Indian forest 800 years ago. A man ventures out in search of something or someone. Along the way, he encounters another individual engaged in a ritualistic prayer, worshipping an object. A fight ensues, and the visitor overpowers him. Just then, four figures emerge, and he hands over the object to them.

The twist reveals that the visitor and the four figures are aliens. “Many believe in the existence of aliens, and I wanted to explore that idea through fiction,” says Sooraj. “I was inspired after watching an episode of Ancient Aliens, which suggested that India’s ancient temples were built by extraterrestrials.”

He adds, “I have tried to put forward a possibility that aliens might have always been living among us, in different forms. Only some humans can recognise them. And that the aliens are keeping an eye on us from beyond the stars, through the black holes!”

Sooraj takes creative liberties in breaking alien stereotypes. In his film, the two central characters are Kalaripayattu practitioners who engage in a combat. “I love martial arts, so I integrated it into the story,” he explains. “The way we imagine aliens is largely shaped by Western films and books. But I’ve portrayed one in human form and the other four as ritualistic folk art figures, inspired by Poothan and Thira.”

As for the mysterious object they seek, Sooraj leaves it open to interpretation — it could be a time machine or a hidden treasure.

The cast features Kalari practitioners Rejeesh and Kishore. Produced by Bijesh Nair, the film was shot in Thiruvananthapuram, with a standout background score by Bhoomee and sound design by PC Vishnu. Cinematography is by Appu.