Google India has released a new festive film for Onam, conceptualised by the agency Talented, directed by Devika Mahajan, and produced by Happy Crew Films. The film focuses on how Malayalis celebrate Onam away from home, using digital tools to recreate familiar experiences.
Told from the perspective of a young Malayali protagonist, the story presents how Google’s tools support users in maintaining everyday routines and cultural practices during the festival. The narrative highlights that distance may change the way traditions are observed, but not their significance.
The film, titled 'Onam is where you are', is the latest in a series of campaigns by Google India developed by Talented. It is aimed at Malayalis living abroad and reinforces the message that tradition is not confined to a physical location.
Reya Reji, Anupam Arakkal and Neil Matthew, Creative, Brand Strategy and Producers, Talented, said, “Regional stories deserve care and craft, and at Talented we’ve always believed that the most powerful work is 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.”
Director Devika Mahajan, said, “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.”
