“Balota” starring Marian Rivera has been the talk of the town ever since the film premiered at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival over the weekend.

Written and directed by Kip Oebanda and co-produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Entertainment Group, “Balota” has garnered high praise from viewers left, right, and center, thanks to Marian’s stellar performance.

Marian showcased her versatile acting range as she gave viewers a Marian they’ve never seen before in her unconventional and deglamorized portrayal of her character, Teacher Emmy.

According to Aubrey Carampel’s report on “24 Oras,” Monday, the movie earned applause and praise during its gala premiere in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Sunday.

“Hindi ako binigo ng movie, sobrang galing, ‘yung linyahan dito ni Marian Rivera kakaiba, never natin siyang makikita sa ganito,” a viewer said.

The Kapuso Primetime Queen graced the gala premiere with her co-stars Will Ashley, Royce Cabrera, Raheel Bhyria, Sassa Gurl, and Esnyr, alongside Direk Kip.

“Sabi ko nga ‘yung experience ko rito sa ‘Balota’ sobrang priceless kaya sabi ko, ‘Naku, nagpapasalamat talaga ako na nagawa ko talaga ito,” said Marian.

Direk Kip also praised Marian, saying that she gave her best in her performance.

“We knew naman that when we were shooting it that she gave it her all, but to see people appreciate it is really something else,” said Direk Kip.

Among those who came out in full support of “Balota’s” premiere was Marian’s husband, Dingdong Dantes.

“Sobrang proud [ko] sa kaniya at sa lahat ng bumubo ng pelikula, mula sa director-writer na si Direk Kip, sa buong cast at sa producers, hanga ako sa katapangan ng pelikulang ito,” the Kapuso Primetime King said.

Over the weekend, award-winning veteran actor John Arcilla also commended Marian for her work in “Balota,” as he shared the film’s trailer on his Instagram.

“[Marian] made a film for [Cinemalaya] with relevant issues right after the Phenomenal BLOCKBUSTER film REWIND that raked Billion of Pesos in the box office. I think it is such an admirable act,” John wrote.

Marian stars as Teacher Emmy in “Balota,” which follows the story of a land-grabbing tycoon and a former male 𝓈ℯ𝓍y actor who are locked in a tight race for the mayoral seat of a small town. When violence erupts, she runs into the forest with a ballot box containing the last copy of the election results