Malayalam Short Film Kovarty Wins Best Sound Design Award at MIFF 2026

The Malayalam short film Kovarty has added a prestigious feather to its cap after winning the Best Sound Design Award in the National Competition section at the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026 . The honor was bestowed upon acclaimed sound designer Bigyna Dahal , whose immersive and emotionally resonant work played a pivotal role in shaping the film's unique cinematic experience.

Announcing the award, the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) praised Dahal's contribution, noting that the film's innovative soundscape created a powerful emotional world that continued to resonate with audiences long after the screening. The recognition places Kovarty among the standout films celebrated at this year's edition of MIFF, India's premier festival dedicated to documentary, short fiction and animation cinema.

Directed by Rohin Raveendran Nair , Kovarty is a distinctive short film set in rural Kerala during the early 1980s. The story unfolds through the perspective of a typewriter named "Qwerty," offering an unconventional narrative that explores themes of nostalgia, human relationships and technological change. Featuring Rajisha Vijayan in a key role, the film has been widely appreciated for its originality and inventive storytelling.

The project gained prominence through the MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone initiative, a prestigious programme designed to mentor emerging filmmakers under some of India's most celebrated directors. Rohin Raveendran represented Malayalam cinema in the initiative under the mentorship of renowned filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery . Following its release, Kovarty attracted attention on the festival circuit and secured a selection at the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival (BISFF) , further enhancing its credentials.

For Bigyna Dahal , the MIFF award marks another milestone in an illustrious career. An alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune , Dahal has worked on several acclaimed films including Eeb Allay Ooo! , Nazarband , Ralang Road , Green Blackberries , Gumnaam Din (Missing Days) and the internationally recognized The Gold-Laden Sheep and the Sacred Mountain . His projects have been showcased at leading festivals such as Berlin , Busan , Karlovy Vary and Rotterdam , while his work on the web series Khauf earned him a Filmfare OTT Award in 2025.

While the Best Sound Design Award at MIFF 2026 is currently the film's most significant competitive honor, the recognition underscores the growing importance of sound as a storytelling tool in contemporary cinema. More importantly, it shines a spotlight on Kovarty , a film whose creativity, technical excellence and emotional depth continue to win admiration across India's independent film landscape.