India, July 16 -- Director Chidambaram S Poduval is delighted that his film, Balan - The Boy, is garnering global recognition. "It was a simple, human story, and I feel it made an instant connection with the audience," he says. "We knew the narrative would resonate because the theme of a mother-son bond is universal."

He finds it heartening that audiences still appreciate simple, authentic storytelling. "We are very fortunate that the film is being recognised in the Hindi belt as well; it's a much larger audience. While mainstream films certainly have their time and place, there is always room for stories that are rooted in our own experiences."

Reflecting on the increasing attention given to the humility of Malayalam cinema, Chidambara...