Aiming to highlight the experience of Malayalis celebrating the Onam festival away from home, Google has released the film ‘Onam is where you are’, conceptualised by creative agency Talented, directed by Devika Mahajan, and produced by Happy Crew Films.
The film is presented from the perspective of a young Malayali protagonist and highlights how Google tools can assist with everyday life. The production’s central message is that distance does not diminish the festive spirit of Onam.
Speaking about the project, Talented’s creative, brand strategy, and producer team members, Reya Reji, Anupam Arakkal, and Neil Matthew underscored their belief in regional stories, deserving to be crafted and regarded as a ‘powerful work born from cultural truths’.
“With this Onam film, we wanted to show how traditions can stay alive even when you’re far from home. The idea was simple: if you can’t make it back, Google can help bring a piece of home to you. From the crunch of a pappadam to the sweetness of payasam, we obsessed over the details so Malayalis feel seen and everyone else feels invited. For us as Malayalis, it’s not just a campaign, it’s a lived tradition, reimagined through creativity.”Devika Mahajan, film director, also commented on the collaborative process, stating, “What made this film truly special was the collaboration. The wonderful folks at Talented, with their Malayali roots, brought in so much heart and authenticity. And because the film sits in the screenlife format, every little digital detail mattered. The timing of a pause, a call, a ping of a notification, all of it working together to hold the emotion. I hope this film opens doors for more regional stories that feel rooted, contemporary, and deeply human.”
