Ronald Thondickal: Bridging Malayalam Cinema Across Borders With Rft Films

By Author: RFT FIlms
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A Global Vision for Malayalam Cinema
Since its inception in 2014, RFT Films, founded by Ronald Thondickal in the United Kingdom, has been a pioneering force in taking Malayalam cinema to global audiences. From its humble beginnings to becoming one of Europe’s most trusted distributors of Malayalam films, RFT Films has consistently raised the bar for international film distribution, marketing, and audience engagement.
Operating across a vast network of countries including the UK, Ireland, Malta, Italy, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, and Finland, RFT Films connects the emotional depth and storytelling brilliance of Kerala’s cinema to hearts across the world.
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Empuraan- A Blockbuster Global Release
The much-anticipated Empuraan, a sequel in the celebrated Lucifer franchise, marked yet another milestone for RFT Films. With simultaneous releases across multiple European countries, Empuraan witnessed an extraordinary opening day, proving ...
... once again the international appeal of Malayalam cinema.
Behind this success was Ronald Thondickal’s strategic acumen, his expertise in distribution logistics, marketing coordination, and theatre partnerships ensured that the film reached audiences far beyond Kerala. The movie’s phenomenal reception reaffirmed RFT Films position as a leading international distributor for Malayalam films.
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Manjumal Boys & Thudarum- Global Audience Favourite
The success story didn’t stop there. In early 2024, Manjumal Boys became one of the most celebrated Malayalam films of the year, achieving record box office numbers across Europe under RFT Films’ banner. The film united nostalgic Malayali families and younger global audiences in equal measure.
Following that, Thudarum, another cinematic gem- garnered warm applause and strong theatre occupancy across the UK and EU, further solidifying RFT Films’ reputation for delivering high-quality Malayalam entertainment to diverse global audiences.
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Hridayapoorvam- One of the Record-Setting Latest Release
Before Empuraan’s global triumph came Hridayapoorvam, which enjoyed an exceptional European run. The film achieved a first-day gross collection of ₹73,700, a remarkable feat for a regional-language movie in Europe. This success demonstrated the growing influence of Malayalam cinema abroad and RFT Films unmatched ability to market and distribute films internationally.
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A Decade of Excellence: 10 Years of RFT Films
As RFT Films celebrates a decade in the industry, its journey stands as a testament to dedication, cultural connection, and vision. Since 2014, Ronald Thondickal has built a trusted network of cinemas, community partners, and film enthusiasts across Europe, turning RFT Films into a name synonymous with trust and quality.
From heartwarming family drama like Hridayapoorvam to action, drama, thrillers like Empuraan and Aavesham, and intriguing titles like Sumathi Valavu, Padakkalam, Ponman, Rekhachithram, Riffle Club, I Am Kathalan, Gaganachari, Guruvayoor Ambala Nadayil, and Officer On Duty, RFT Films continues to showcase the diverse storytelling of Malayalam cinema on the global stage.
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The Man Behind the Mission: Ronald Thondickal
At the heart of this international success is Ronald Thondickal, the founder and creative head of RFT Films. Based in the UK, Ronald has spent over a decade passionately working to expand Malayalam cinema’s reach beyond borders.
His approach blends authentic storytelling, strategic marketing, and community engagement, ensuring every film not only entertains but also connects deeply with audiences worldwide. Through his leadership, RFT Films has become a vital bridge between Kerala’s filmmakers and the global Malayali diaspora.
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Looking Ahead: The Future of RFT Films
With blockbusters like Lucifer, Aavesham, Empuraan, Rekhachithram, Manjumal Boys, Thudarum, and Hridayapoorvam, RFT Films’ legacy continues to grow stronger. Ronald Thondickal and his team remain committed to innovation, exploring new markets, platforms, and partnerships to ensure Malayalam cinema remains a global cultural phenomenon.
From Kochi to Copenhagen, RFT Films continues to light up screens and hearts, proving that great stories know no boundaries.
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About RFT Films
● Founder: Ronald Thondickal
● Established: 2014
● Headquarters: United Kingdom
● Regions Covered: UK, Ireland, Malta, Italy, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, Finland, and more.
● Recent Releases: Empuraan, Manjumal Boys, Thudarum, Hridayapoorvam
● Core Mission: To connect Malayalam cinema with audiences across borders and promote the cultural richness of Kerala on a global stage.