Krishnashtami: The Book of Dry Leaves

Krishnashtami: The Book of Dry Leaves (2026)

കൃഷ്ണാഷ്ടമി

The first still-image feature in India, inspired by Vyloppilli Sreedhara Menon's 1958 poem. It portrays marginalized lives held in an illegitimate detention centre, using dry leaves and storms as metaphors. An omniscient narrator from an undefined future recalls fragments lost to censorship, inviting others to complete the story. Through static images, memories, and voices, the film reflects on art, poverty, imagination, divinity, and power.

Date of release
2026-01-16
Runtime
1h 18m
Genres
Drama
Director
Abhilash Babu

Casting

Interesting facts

Krishnashtami: the book of dry leaves is a 2025 Malayalam language experimental still image film conceived and directed by Abhilash Babu for producer Anil Ambalakkara. The film is based on the poem 'Krishnashtami' by Vyloppilli Sreedhara Menon which appeared in the 1958 collection 'Kadalkkakkakal'.

Production

Director Abhilash Babu, who has already made Aalokam (2023) and Maayunnu, Maarivarayunnu, Nisvaasangalil... (2024), a film that was premiered at the 29th IFFK, signed actor director Jeo Baby for his third film based on Vyloppilli's poem 'Krishnashtami'. The film is conceived as a modern cinematic interpretation by the director. The first look poster of the film was released on 9 March 2025.

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