The Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 brought together runners from across the country, but the 5K 40-49 men’s category stood out as a reflection of consistency, experience and years of dedication to fitness and the sport. These runners proved that the passion for running grows stronger with time, turning every kilometer into a display of grit and determination.From former soldiers to runners who discovered their potential later in life, each story reflects the spirit of discipline and perseverance that defines the running community.

Vijender Malik

winnerchip time: 00:18:31At the age of 47, Vijender Malik performed remarkably well to top the category. The former soldier, who has been running for the last 20 years, once represented the Army athletic team, carrying forward the discipline and dedication he built during his years of service.His performance reflected the mindset of a seasoned athlete prepared, focused and motivated by years of experience on the track.

Jogender Singh

first runner upchip time: 00:19:05Jogender Singh, 49, started running 14 years ago just for fitness, but his journey soon turned into something much bigger. He credits coach Sombir for helping him recognize his potential and becoming part of a strong community that pushed him to improve.Even today Jogendra is working hard with the aim of remaining at the top position. Speaking about the Times Internet Half Marathon, he praised the management and organization of the event, particularly highlighting the fun Zumba warm-up sessions and the intuitive digital support that made it easy for participants to access race photos.

Giri Raj

second runner upchip time: 00:19:43Giri Raj completed the race with impressive speed and consistency, demonstrating the endurance and focus that define experienced runners. Their performance reflects the dedication and competitive spirit that continues to inspire runners of all age groups.The Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 was more than just a race; It was a celebration of stories built over years of commitment, discipline and love of racing. With thousands of participants, an electrifying atmosphere and a growing running community, the event once again brought together athletes from every generation under a shared passion: the joy of running.

There may be rift between the Beckham couple, but love also flows in their veins. brooklyn beckhamThe eldest sibling and media personality shared an adorable photo of herself Victoria Beckham’s father, Tony Adams, to celebrate his grandfather’s 80th birthday. While the rest of the family attended a lavish party, the 27-year-old increasingly distanced himself.Here’s a closer look at Brooklyn Beckham and Tony Adams’ 80th birthday celebration.

Brooklyn Beckham wished his grandfather on his 80th birthday

Brooklyn Beckham posted the picture on her Instagram Story, where the two were comfortably lounging on comfortable chairs with glasses of drinks in their hands. “Happy 80th Birthday Dad, I love you so much,” he wrote with a small blue “Happy Birthday” sticker next to it. Meanwhile, the fashion mogul took to social media to share a series of happy moments from the grand party she hosted. Showcasing the montage of the formal party, in addition to Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz, several people were in attendance including David Beckham and his children, Romeo and his girlfriend, Kim Turnball, Cruz and his girlfriend, Jackie Apostel, and Harper.

“Happy Birthday Daddy, we love you so much! Thank you to all our friends and family who helped make it so special! Xxx,” she wrote in the caption.

Victoria Beckham shares a glimpse of her birthday party

Beckham knows how to rock a formal ball. Victoria wore a soft ice blue silk gown from her collection, while David joined her in a black and white suit. Harper, meanwhile, wore a lace-trimmed black dress. In another photo dump, the ‘Spice Girls’ member gave a glimpse of her dancing on the floor. She thanked family and friends again, saying, “It was a wonderful night celebrating my wonderful father.”

The FBI shut down a call center operation in India that was defrauding senior citizens in the US in the name of technical support.

The FBI in Boston announced that they have shut down a call center operation in India after busting a major racket that also involved criminals from the US. The call center operation defrauded hundreds of elderly victims in the US and elsewhere out of millions of dollars through technical support scams. The FBI investigation said two senior US officials were part of it and, in fact, enabled it by turning a blind eye to widespread fraud.

Who are Adam Young and Harrison Gewirtz? What was the scam?

Adam Young, 42, of Florida, and Harrison Gewirtz, 33, of Las Vegas, operated a business, Ringba, that provided telecommunications-related services, including telephone numbers, call routing services, call tracking and call forwarding services, to customers they knew engaged in technical support fraud schemes. He has now pleaded guilty to a felony, in violation of federal law. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16, 2026.The investigation further revealed that call centers based in India used Young and Gerwitz’s business to route their “technical fraud” scheme calls and, in some cases, advised those fraudsters on ways to reduce complaints and prevent account terminations.

Indian part of the scam: Sahil Narang, Chirag Sachdeva, Abrar Anjum, Manish Kumar, Jagmeet Singh Virk

The investigation began in 2020 which led the FBI to India-based telemarketing fraudsters. Indian nationals Sahil Narang, Chirag Sachdeva, Abrar Anjum and Manish Kumar were convicted of charges related to India-based telemarketing fraud schemes that targeted Americans and defrauded millions of dollars, many of them vulnerable to the fraudulent schemes due to age or infirmity. The fifth person convicted in the same scam was Jagmeet Singh Virk.

Attention your computer has a virus

According to court documents, from approximately 2016 to 2022, Young, Gewirtz and others knew that some of their customers were engaged in tech-assistance fraud schemes. The schemes used misleading pop-up messages to convince computer users that their computers had been infected with a virus or malware. Victims were directed to call a phone number on a pop-up message or advertisement that connected victims to call centers, where they were persuaded to pay hundreds of dollars for unnecessary or fictitious technical-support services. In some cases, call center agents remotely accessed victims’ computers and obtained personal and financial information.

Young, Gewirtz discovered the fraud and became part of it

From 2017 to April 2022, after learning of their clients’ fraudulent schemes, Young and Gewirtz failed to report the schemes to law enforcement authorities. According to statements filed in court, the defendants received numerous complaints and inquiries from telephone providers and law enforcement regarding customers who engaged in technical support fraud. Despite that knowledge, he advised some of his clients on techniques that clients could use to avoid complaints from fraud victims and prevent account termination. Young and Gevirtz helped some of those clients buy and sell fraudulent calls among themselves.Young and Gewirtz themselves owned and operated a call center in Tunisia from 2016 to April 2022, where some employees engaged in technical-support fraud.“What the CEO and CSO of this well-known call tracking and analytics company did was extremely despicable. By their own admission, they knowingly profited from telemarketing and technical support scammers here and abroad who preyed on the elderly, exploited the vulnerable and robbed victims of their life savings and peace of mind. “Behind every prank call is a real person who is frightened, humiliated or financially broke,” said Ted Eidox, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division.“Tech support scams cost Americans $2.1 billion last year, and Rhode Islanders reported losing at least $5.7 million. Let this be a warning: If you promote and support these criminal networks that prey on unsuspecting consumers, the FBI will pursue you relentlessly to make sure you are held accountable for the harm you helped cause,” Edox said. Said.Court documents further indicate that the two former CEOs directed employees to promote their company’s services to customers who engaged in technical-support fraud and, at times, introduced customers engaged in fraudulent activity to others who could support their fraudulent business.

The Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 once again brought together inspiring runners of all generations and the 5K 40-49 Women’s category emerged as a celebration of fitness, determination and community. These women prove that running isn’t just about competition; It’s about passion, persistence and inspiring those around you.From family inspiration to discovering fitness later in life, each runner brought a unique story to the finish line.

Rachna Joshi

winnerchip time: 00:26:0043 year old Rachana Joshi has been running for the last seven years. What started as her husband taking up running soon became a shared passion for the entire family.Inspired by each other, today not only Rachna and her husband but also their children participate in marathons together. His journey shows how running can bring families together and turn fitness into a lifestyle shared across generations.

Sangeeta Thap

first runner upchip time: 00:27:50Sangeeta Thap performed strongly and consistently throughout the race, demonstrating the determination, stamina and spirit of an experienced runner. Her finish reflects the discipline and positivity that continues to inspire women in the running community.

Megha Bindlish

second runner upchip time: 00:30:54At 41, Megha Bindlish recently started running just three months ago as part of her fitness journey along with regular gym training. Despite being new to the sport, she took up the challenge with enthusiasm and determination.Megha was very appreciative of the Times Internet Half Marathon, praising the atmosphere, organization and overall experience of the event which made the race memorable for the participants.Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 was more than just a sporting event, it was a platform where stories of fitness, family and self-development came alive. By bringing together runners from all walks of life, the marathon continues to inspire people to begin their journey one step at a time.

Indian football fans may miss the official FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage after broadcaster talks failed and YouTube faces geo-restrictions on access.

FIFA’s 2026 World Cup begins on June 11 in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and for the first time in the tournament’s history, YouTube is an official part of how the world will watch it, but for fans in India, this development may mean little, because without holding domestic rights and an official broadcaster to participate in the arrangement, geo-restrictions may prevent much of the platform’s World Cup content from reaching Indian screens entirely. Hopes that Prasar Bharati might step in as an alternative option have also been dashed, as the broadcaster has reportedly told the Delhi High Court that it is not responsible for acquiring television rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in India, making the situation more uncertain.

What the YouTube deal really offers

In March 2026, FIFA announces “game-changing partnership” With YouTube confirming that rights-holding broadcasters around the world will have the option to live stream the first ten minutes of each match on their official YouTube channels, the initiative is designed to attract younger, digital-native viewers towards the full broadcast. In addition to the ten-minute preview, broadcasters can also choose to stream select matches in full on YouTube, although FIFA has clarified that this will vary by region and is entirely at the discretion of individual rights holders, rather than a guaranteed provision in all markets.

FILE – A YouTube sign is shown near the company’s headquarters in San Bruno, California, Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Fans in the United States will have live access to every match of the tournament through YouTube TV, which holds the rights in that market, while other official broadcasters, among them Fox Soccer, Telemundo Deportes, beIN Sports, SuperSport, JTBC and KBS, are expected to publish previews, highlights and potentially full match streams through their own verified YouTube accounts. The official FIFA YouTube channel will also serve as a hub for highlights, archive footage, creator-led coverage and behind-the-scenes content throughout the duration of the tournament’s 104 matches.

People stand in front of the FIFA highlights video board during a tour of the FIFA Museum exhibit at Science World in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

However, the important limitation is that it is all linked to the territorial authority structure. Content published by a broadcaster on YouTube is typically geo-restricted to the region in which that broadcaster holds the rights, meaning that streams from American or European rights holders will generally not be accessible to viewers here. Without a domestic broadcaster participating in the YouTube arrangement, there is no Indian channel through which any live content will stream, and the FIFA Channel itself is not a substitute for live match access that only the rights-holding broadcaster can provide on the platform. Without a domestic broadcaster participating in the YouTube arrangement, many fans may be pushed toward unofficial workarounds such as VPNs or piracy sites, or relying on unofficial online watch parties, neither of which provide a stable or reliable viewing experience compared to official broadcasts.

Why doesn’t India have any broadcaster?

The reasons behind the impasse are primarily commercial, and they have been accumulating for months. FIFA’s original price for the combined Indian media rights covering the 2026 and 2030 World Cups was reported to be around US$100 million, a figure that did not garner any serious interest from broadcasters already committed to cricket and IPL rights, which have consumed the bulk of sports broadcasting budgets in recent years. FIFA reduced its valuation to around US$35 million after the market failed to respond, but even that figure did not lead to a deal. JioStar, a joint venture between Reliance Industries and Disney, submitted a bid of approximately USD 20 million, which was rejected by FIFA. The scheduling realities of North American tournaments have increased the reluctance, with most matches in India expected to be broadcast during late night and early morning hours, a timing problem that makes the commercial case for expensive rights significantly harder than expected viewership.

Prasar Bharati’s exit

The most consequential recent development was when Prasar Bharati told the Delhi High Court that it is not its responsibility to acquire the television rights of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The plea came in response to a petition seeking a free-to-air broadcast of the tournament through a state broadcaster, a path many were seeing as a possible last resort given the collapse of commercial talks. With Prasar Bharati now formally absolving itself of any obligation to secure the rights, that option is closed, and the June 11 launch date is approaching without any resolution.

where things stand

As things stand, no broadcaster has officially finalized the Indian media rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with just a few weeks left for the tournament to begin. FIFA has significantly reduced its asking price, the only significant commercial bid on record has been rejected, and the state broadcaster has told the court the case is not of its concern. The YouTube partnership, which FIFA has touted as a landmark moment for global digital football reach, will deliver it to fans in dozens of territories through their respective rights holders, but with no official rights holder here, Indian football fans face the real prospect of the biggest World Cup in history coming to a close with no legal and direct way to watch it, unless the broadcaster, FIFA or the government moves quickly to break a logjam that has already lasted too long. Running since.

Industrialist John D. Rockefeller revolutionized philanthropy by making his donation to the University of Chicago conditional on demanding local financial buy-in. This strategic approach fostered accountability and community engagement, turning seed donation into a self-sustaining powerhouse.

The history of modern education in the context of architecture portrays the establishment of a research center for the elite as the automatic result of unbridled greed. It is easy to assume that when an industrial tycoon creates a university, he only needs to write big checks to build an institution for his ego.But this romantic view ignores the highly disciplined strategy required to transform a young institution into a self-sustaining powerhouse. Long before an academic center can attract elite thinkers or achieve global recognition, its founders must establish a rigorous system of financial accountability and community buy-in.When a key leader treats a multi-million dollar donation as conditional seed capital rather than a permanent handout, they create an operational culture designed to thrive independently.In an incredible display of institutional design that demolished traditional nineteenth-century philanthropy, industrialist John D. Rockefeller applied this exact corporate logic to the creation of the University of Chicago. Rather than acting as an open patron solely handling all structural expenses, the billionaire deliberately structured his initial financial support to force community participation.His commitment of $600,000 in 1889 was attached to a clear deadline, where he expected Chicago locals to contribute an additional $400,000 in a year’s time before releasing any of their funds.While popular stories often reduce the nature of this partnership to mere stories of casual philanthropy, the true success was in this structural benefit. Far from making the school merely a constant reminder of his personal fortune, the founder turned what would have been a mere windfall donation into a financial powerhouse that eventually grew to $35 million in total capital.Accountability through re-engineering capital loopsTo understand why a well-structured and conditional endowment provides greater lasting value than traditional unrestricted gifts, one must consider the specific organizational behavior it creates. Unlike traditional donations, which allow the institution’s administration to become complacent or overly dependent on a sole contributor, conditional capital requires that the university continue to build trust within its immediate community.Management will be forced to present their vision to the local community in order to raise similar funds, thus refining their educational mission and working process in the process. The discipline of doing so becomes a safeguard against organizational decline and ensures that the real needs of local people are behind any expansion initiative.It is precisely this kind of philosophy that has enabled us to retain the real meaning of Rockefeller’s famous remark about the school. According to historical records published in University of Chicago Alumni Magazine Special ExhibitionThe famous industrialist actually used these words at the quinquennial celebration of 1896 to remind everyone of their responsibilities.

Industrialist John D. Rockefeller built the University of Chicago using a smart financial strategy. He made his donation conditional, requiring local contribution. Image Credit: Wikipedia

It becomes clear from the key documents that there was no claim of ownership in his statement. Rather it was a statement concerning the excellent results of a very successful system of mutual risk-sharing. By establishing an endowment that would prevent him from controlling everything that happened at the university, the founder ensured that administration would be left to local trustees, transforming a small Midwest college into a research institution in a matter of months.long term benefits of independent governanceAnother important thing can be learned from all this. To make a positive impact on society and gain prestige, one needs more than a quick inflow of money. There is a need to create a fixed governance system that will exist independently of the original creator for centuries to come.When a private resource is absorbed into a highly accountable public service, it creates a vast reservoir of institutional credibility, which continues to attract high-quality staff, large research funding and future generations of talented academics.The enduring utility of this practical governance model is clearly detailed in the historical document compiled The University of Chicago Libraries is creating a long-term future exhibit. Archived data reveals how the infrastructure allowed the institute to rapidly transform into a world-renowned research center in less than two decades.Since early investments were typically tied to structural independence rather than individual branding, the new generation of funding institutions, such as the Rockefeller Foundation, could easily make multi-decade investments to build a medical school and further develop advanced social services training.By focusing on building institutional strength rather than creating their own legacies, such leaders create edifices that are surprisingly adaptable to the new challenges presented by the world at large. By viewing philanthropy as a risky investment in human potential rather than outright charity, this time-tested formula proves that the greatest achievement for any innovator is creating an organization greater than themselves.

New Delhi: Union Minister Piyush Goyal Leader of opposition launched sharp attack on Wednesday Rahul GandhiHe accused him and the Congress party of using “derogatory” and “derogatory” language against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi He emphasized that India’s global position and strategic partnerships have strengthened under the Modi government.Addressing reporters in Delhi, Goyal said the world today looks at India and Prime Minister Modi “with great confidence”, while Rahul Gandhi continued to display a “negative approach” through his statements and speeches.He said, “On one hand, the whole world looks at India and the Prime Minister with great confidence. On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi, who has a negative outlook, is repeatedly demonstrating his nature and character in his statements and speeches. It is a different matter that the people of India are rejecting them one after the other,” Goyal said.“His frustration and self-generated emotions, and the way he resorted to foul language and used abusive language against the Prime Minister, is evident,” he said.The Union minister also accused the Congress party and the Gandhi family of supporting infiltrators and questioned the party’s record on terrorism and Naxalism.“Is it treason to end Naxalism? Or is it treason to allow Naxalism to flourish for years under Congress rule?” Goyal asked.“The way the Congress party and the Gandhi family support infiltrators is treason. Is respecting the Indian flag on the global stage considered treason, or insulting the Indian flag abroad considered treason? Is breaking the back of terrorism, giving a befitting reply to terrorism considered treason? Or is feeding biryani to terrorists, or making compromises with terrorists considered treason?” He said.In another comment targeting the Congress, Goyal said, “The way the Congress party and the Gandhi family support infiltrators is ‘treason’. Will raising the honor of the tricolor on the global stage be termed ‘treason’, or will insulting India’s tricolor by going abroad be termed ‘treason’?”He further said that Rahul Gandhi’s comments show political weakness. “It is clear that the terminology used by Rahul Gandhi is called in English ‘abuses are the weapon of the weak’. It is clear that the country is now looking at the weaknesses of Rahul Gandhi, the failures of the Gandhi family and the Congress Party and the world’s fastest growing economy and India’s reputation on the global stage under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.Goyal also highlighted India’s growing ties with the United States and described the bilateral ties as “very strong and powerful”.“India and the US share a very strong and powerful partnership. We are both friends, productive and important trading partners,” he said.Pointing to cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, he said, “We have a strategic partnership in critical minerals, we are working together on new technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Machine Learning.”The minister said India and the US have finalized an interim Phase-1 bilateral trade agreement which will benefit Indian exports.“We have finalized Interim Phase 1 of the bilateral trade agreement, with which India will get preferential access to the large US market compared to our competitors,” he said.Referring to the Indian diaspora in the United States and the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Goyal said, “Today millions of Indians live and work in America, forming a vibrant bridge between the two countries. Marco Rubio’s visit is extremely timely and reflects the growing partnership between the US and India, which will provide new opportunities to youth, farmers, women.”He said, “An investment of about Rs 6 lakh crore was announced for India from the US side. This is why we are called a trusted partner of the world.”The Union Minister also spoke at length about Prime Minister Modi’s recent multi-country visit and said India was “in the headlines in 5 countries in 5 days”.“During Prime Minister Modi’s visit, India was in the headlines in 5 countries in 5 days. The native people of India respected him in these countries.” A clear message was given that India stands very strongly on the world stage. The world looks at India with respect. Today, the entire world looks at Prime Minister Modi’s leadership with respect and honor,” Goyal said.He said discussions were held with CEOs of more than 50 major companies to boost investment and trade ties.He said, “Discussions were held with CEOs of more than 50 major companies and India talked with them about increasing investment and trade.”Listing the outcomes of the Prime Minister’s foreign engagements, Goyal said India has signed several strategic and economic agreements with European countries and the UAE.“During this visit, Prime Minister Modi has signed a joint innovation partnership with Sweden, a technology and artificial intelligence corridor, which will double our mutual trade and investment,” he said.“There, we have secured investments worth $100 billion or about Rs 10 lakh crore from four countries, creating lakhs of jobs and employment opportunities for our youth,” Goyal said.The minister said India has also finalized a green strategic partnership with Norway and developed a strategic partnership roadmap with the Netherlands.“A new partnership has been launched in the energy sector. Sixteen copper plates from the 11th century were brought back with the Prime Minister,” he said.Speaking about ties with Italy, Goyal said, “A special strategic partnership has been established with Italy covering critical minerals. An innovation center will be set up in India. Defense co-production will strengthen the security of both Italy and India. We are going to give a new impetus to bilateral trade and investment between India and Italy.He further announced that India and the United Arab Emirates will create a strategic petroleum reserve in India.“India will create a strategic petroleum reserve of 30 million barrels with the UAE. Additionally, the LPG supply agreement will ensure reliable and safe LPG for millions of consumers,” he said.Goyal said, “The PM brought respect to farmers and took the country to new heights globally. Today India is not only a friend of the world but also a reliable partner.”

Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Anukul Roy has been included in the India A squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka for the tri-series. Anukul has been included in the team in place of Harsh Dubey. Who was included in India’s Test and ODI team for the first time For the home series against Afghanistan.

The triangular series between India A, Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A is scheduled to take place in Dambulla from June 9 to June 21, 2026. Aditya has played a vital role for KKR especially in their turnaround, which makes them still contenders for a playoff spot this season.

“The men’s selection committee has included Anukul Roy in the India A squad for the upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka. He replaces Harsh Dubey, who has been included in India’s Test and ODI squad for the first time for the upcoming IDFC First Bank home series against Afghanistan.”

“The tri-series will feature Sri Lanka A, India A and Afghanistan A and will be played in Dambulla from June 9 to June 21, 2026,” the BCCI statement said.

Tilak Verma will captain a strong team with Riyan Parag serving as his deputy. All focus will be on Vaibhav SuryavanshiWho aims to impress in India A colors as he continues his bid for a senior team call-up.

Indian team updated for tri-series

Tilak Verma (captain), Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Riyan Parag (vice-captain), Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu, Suryansh Shedge, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper), Vipraj Nigam, Yash Thakur, Yudhveer Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Arshad Khan, Anukul Roy.

friendly in IPL 2026

Anukul comes into the IPL 2026 season on the back of a brilliant Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign with Jharkhand, in which he was named as the Player of the Tournament.

IPL 2026 has been the first season when Anukul has been successful in securing a permanent place in the KKR team by taking eight wickets in 13 matches.

He has acted as the third spinner for Kolkata. With Sunil Narine and Varun Chakraborty.

ipl 2026 | ipl schedule | ipl points table | ipl player stats | purple cap | orange cap | ipl video | cricket news | live score

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Almost 40 years after its original release, Malayalam classic ‘Amma Ariyan’ received an emotional standing ovation at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. The restored version of the film was screened under the prestigious Cannes Classics section, marking a proud milestone for Malayalam cinema on the international stage. After the screening, the audience warmly applauded actor Joey Mathew and the editor Beena PaulCelebrating the film’s long-awaited global recognition.

A historic moment for Malayalam cinema

directed by veteran john abraham‘Amma Ariyan’ was the only Malayalam film selected at this year’s festival and was one of the very few Indian titles to make it to the lineup. Originally released in 1986, the film gradually gained cult status among cinephiles and film students due to its bold political themes and experimental storytelling style.However, despite its impact, the film’s original negatives remained inaccessible to many audiences for years after they were reportedly lost. Its Cannes screening introduced this landmark film to a wider international audience previously unfamiliar with John Abraham’s cinematic vision.

‘Amma Ariane’ restored from surviving prints

The revival of ‘Amma Ariyan’ was possible due to the efforts of the Film Heritage Foundation and the Odessa Collective. The restoration team reconstructed the film in 4K using surviving prints obtained from the National Film Archives. The restored version allows audiences to experience the film with new visual clarity while preserving the raw artistic essence that made it iconic decades ago.Editor Beena Paul reflected emotionally on the film finally receiving worldwide appreciation. “I think this is a film that never got its due value when it was made,” he shared with Onmanorama. “It has a cult status in Kerala, especially among film students, but many people outside that circle have still not discovered it. It is a film that needs to be seen.”His statement was greatly appreciated by the audience, who saw the Cannes screening as an important moment in rediscovering one of the most influential works of Malayalam cinema.

John Abraham’s revolutionary vision

‘Amma Ariyan’ was the last feature film directed by John Abraham before his untimely death at the age of 49 in 1987. The filmmaker was known for rejecting mainstream commercial filmmaking and instead treating cinema as a collaborative artistic movement.Through the Odessa Collective, Abraham pioneered an unconventional publicly-funded production model, where ordinary people contributed directly to film production expenses. Decades later, many believe his vision was far ahead of its time and has continued to inspire generations of independent filmmakers.