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Malayalam actor Antony Varghese, known to many as Pepe, is set to share the screen with Keerthy Suresh in an upcoming action film written and directed by Rishi Sivakumar. The project was officially announced on social media through a short video showing the lead stars signing their contracts, immediately creating buzz among fans.

A Fresh Pairing that Has Fans Talking

Rishi Sivakumar, who previously directed Valliyum Thetti Pulliyum Thetti featuring Kunchacko Boban, is returning to the director’s chair after a long break. His new film brings together two of the South’s most bankable performers for the first time, and expectations are already sky-high.

The untitled film is being jointly produced by Monu Pazhedath, AV Anoop, Novel Vindhyan and Simmy Rajeevan under the banners AVA Productions, First Page Entertainment and Maargaa Entertainers. While the production team has confirmed that it will be an action-packed story, other details such as the supporting cast, technical crew and plot are still under wraps.

Film insiders believe this collaboration has the potential to appeal to a wide audience across regions, considering the distinct fan bases of both Antony Varghese and Keerthy Suresh. The announcement video alone has generated thousands of shares, signalling the strong anticipation surrounding the project.

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The Stars and Their Busy Lineups

Antony Varghese has carved a strong niche in Malayalam cinema through films that highlight his intensity and physical presence. After his breakout role in Angamaly Diaries, he became a sought-after performer for gritty action roles. He is currently shooting for Kattalan, a debut film by Paul George that explores the world of ivory smuggling. Antony will also appear alongside Dulquer Salmaan in I’m Game, directed by Nahas Hidhayath, who previously helmed the blockbuster RDX.

Keerthy Suresh, on the other hand, continues to be one of the most versatile and accomplished actors in Indian cinema. The National Award winner has multiple releases lined up, including Revolver Rita directed by J K Chandru, Kannivedi by Ganesh Raj, and Rowdy Janardhan opposite Vijay Deverakonda. Her upcoming slate cuts across Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam industries, reflecting her growing pan-Indian appeal.

Director Rishi Sivakumar’s return is also being viewed as a career-defining moment. While his earlier film Valliyum Thetti Pulliyum Thetti received mixed reviews, he has reportedly taken a new creative direction with this action project. Industry buzz suggests that the film will feature large-scale visuals, intense stunt sequences and a dramatic storyline centred on courage and redemption.

The film’s producers have hinted that the project is being developed for a theatrical release in 2026, with pre-production already underway. Sources indicate that filming is expected to begin early next year once both Antony and Keerthy complete their ongoing commitments.

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With this pairing, fans are eager to see how Antony’s raw energy will balance with Keerthy’s emotional depth. The combination promises to deliver something new for Malayalam cinema while also positioning the project for broader recognition across other southern industries.

The announcement has already sparked excitement across film circles, and the anticipation will only grow as more updates roll in. Whether the film leans toward a mass-action entertainer or a socially charged drama, it is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about projects of the coming year.

Also Read: Rajisha Vijayan Joins Antony Varghese’s Kattalan

Vijay Antony’s milestone 25th project Shakthi Thirumagan opened in cinemas on September 19 and began streaming on Disney Plus Hotstar on October 24. Soon after the online release, the film found itself at the centre of controversy when an X user named Subash Sundar alleged that the storyline was stolen. His post claimed that the script had originally been submitted to Dream Warrior Pictures in 2022 and that the director had taken it without credit.

The claim quickly went viral as several media platforms picked up the story. Social media users began accusing director Arun Prabu of copying someone else’s idea. As the noise grew louder, Prabu decided to clarify his position publicly through an extensive statement on his official X handle.

#ShakthiThirumagan #Bhadrakaali #sakthithirumagan pic.twitter.com/5K6P5oAswx

— Arun Prabu (@ArunPrabu_) October 30, 2025

Arun Prabu Shares His Side and Proof of Origin

In his detailed post, the filmmaker wrote that he had first chosen to ignore the comments, thinking they were just another online rumour. But once major outlets began publishing the allegation, he felt it was time to set the record straight.

He stated, “After years of effort, such false accusations are deeply painful. I thought this was simply a troll and ignored it at first, but as media houses began reporting and people started calling for clarification, I realised I must explain the truth.”

Along with his note, he shared a screenshot of an email from October 2014 that he says shows evidence of the script’s existence at that time. He explained that the story was originally titled Parashakthi and featured a character named Kittu, a Secretariat broker raised by a Periyarist wall painter named Subbaiya. The plot followed a young man who grows up questioning the social order, facing a powerful adversary beyond his reach.

According to Prabu, this concept was first created in 2014 and later refined to reflect the evolving political environment. After years of development, he finally brought it to the screen in 2025. He dismissed the accusations as “false and part of a deliberate attempt to mislead.”

He further claimed that he possesses several pieces of proof including emails, registered script copies, and early drafts shared with producers and actors. Many colleagues and industry friends, he added, can confirm that he narrated the story years before 2022. Prabu also said that if there is a need for further evidence, he will present it before the proper legal authority.

Ending his statement, the director wrote, “Making a film is already a long and exhausting journey. Facing conspiracies like this after years of hard work is heartbreaking. I want the public and media to know the truth and to stop spreading baseless claims. I neither need nor want to use someone else’s story.”

About the Film and Its Release

Shakthi Thirumagan was produced by Vijay Antony under his own banner, Vijay Antony Film Corporation. The movie features Trupthi Ravindra, Krish Hassan, Vagai Chandrasekhar, and Cell Murugan in key supporting roles. Vijay Antony also composed the film’s music.

Before its release, the political drama attracted attention for its bold theme that combines emotional storytelling with commentary on power and corruption. The film’s arrival on streaming platforms has expanded its reach, sparking discussions about its story and social message.

The plagiarism controversy, however, briefly overshadowed the film’s success. With Arun Prabu’s detailed clarification now public, the filmmaker hopes the focus will return to the movie and the years of creative effort behind it.

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