September 1, 2010 (Sampurn Wire): Noted Malayalam film director Hariharan's latest release 'Pazhassi Raja' has been selected for the competition section of the prestigious Fukuoka Film Festival in Japan. This year, the festival is starting on 17th September and will continue till 26th September.

The festival started its journey in 1991 and since then it has invited actor, actresses and film directors as guests to promote their films by organizing discussions and symposiums.

'Pazhassi Raja' was the blockbuster movie of 2009 with megastar Mammootty, actor Sarath Kumar, veteran Thilakan, comedian Jagathi Sreekumar and actress Padmapriya playing the lead roles. The other actors in the movie are Manoj K Jayan, Kanika Subramaniam, Suresh Krishna, Suman and Linda Arsenio.

On 16th October, 2009, it was released across Kerala with 130 prints. Renowned musician Ilaiyaraaja composed music for the film, which was produced by Gokulam Gopalan. Academy Award winner Resul Pookutty was the sound designer of the movie. it was later dubbed in Tamil.

It is the only Indian movie, which has been chosen to be screened in this year's Fukuoka Film Festival. Director Hariharan is very excited that his film got selected and he is more thrilled because the film tells the story of patriotism.

-- Sampurn wire