Entertainment • Jun 22, 2025

Meenakshi Jayan clinches Best Actress at Shanghai festival

Meenakshi Jayan just picked up the Best Actress award at the Shanghai International Film Festival for her role in "Victoria," a Malayalam film about a day in the life of a beautician from Angamaly, Kerala.
Notably, "Victoria" was India's only entry in competition this year—a proud moment for Indian indie cinema.

TL;DR

'Victoria' was India's only entry in competition this year

To really get into character, Jayan worked at a beauty parlor and learned the local Angamaly accent.
Her commitment has already earned her recognition back home, including Best Performer at Kerala's Independent and Experimental Film Festival.
"Victoria" premiered at the International Film Festival of Kerala and was made with support from a Women Empowerment Grant—showing how far passion and persistence can go.