Fri Jun 13 10:05:36 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Sivaranjini J’s debut film, “Victoria,” has been selected as India’s sole entry for the Shanghai International Film Festival 2025. The film, set in Angamaly, Kerala, follows a young beautician named Victoria who is grappling with her interfaith relationship and is entrusted with a sacrificial rooster. The story explores themes of gender, caste, and class, with a focus on portraying women in a realistic and nuanced way. Sivaranjini drew inspiration from a personal experience and the film received funding from the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC). The film features a predominantly female cast of newcomers, with Meenakshi Jayan winning an award for her portrayal of Victoria.

**News Article:**

**Indian Film “Victoria” to Compete at Shanghai International Film Festival**

**Victoria, June 13, 2025** – Sivaranjini J’s debut feature film, “Victoria,” has been chosen as India’s only entry to the prestigious Shanghai International Film Festival, running from today until June 22. The film will compete in the Asian New Talent category.

“Victoria” tells the story of a young beautician (played by Meenakshi Jayan) in Angamaly, Kerala, who finds herself juggling a secret interfaith relationship with the unexpected responsibility of caring for a sacrificial rooster. The film explores themes of gender, caste, and class disparities within a Kerala setting.

“I had this idea when I went to a beauty parlour in my town,” says Sivaranjini J. The director explained her inspiration stemmed from a rooster she encountered at a local beauty parlour. “The image of a rooster in a parlour with only women was interesting.”

The film was supported by a Woman Empowerment Grant from the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC). Sivaranjini highlights the film’s focus on women, with a cast primarily comprised of newcomers. Meenakshi Jayan, in particular, has received acclaim for her portrayal of Victoria, winning Best Performance at the Independent and Experimental Film Festival of Kerala 2025.

Sivaranjini says the rooster is a metaphor in the film “For me, it is a spiritual presence.”

The film is the culmination of years of cinematic passion. Sivaranjini J hopes to continue telling stories that showcase women in diverse and compelling roles.

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