After the strong reception for Pani, Joju George is back in director mode with Deluxe, the next chapter in what is now shaping up to be an evolving crime saga. The film has officially gone on floors, with the first schedule underway in Chalakudy, before moving across key locations in Thrissur and Wayanad.
Back to Thrissur, But With Bigger Stakes
Unlike a conventional sequel that simply extends its predecessor, Deluxe is positioned as an expansion of the same world. Joju returns not as Giri, the former history-sheeter he played in Pani, but as Deluxe Benny, hinting at a shift in perspective within the same ecosystem of crime and survival.
The setting remains rooted in Thrissur’s fringes, populated by aimless youth, small-time operators and volatile power structures. But this time, the narrative is said to unfold on a larger scale, with more characters, higher stakes and a deeper dive into the moral grey zones that defined the first film. If Pani was about introduction, Deluxe appears to be about escalation.
Joju continues to write the script himself, retaining the grounded, lived-in texture that worked in the original. His storytelling has leaned towards realism, where violence emerges organically from circumstance rather than spectacle. That sensibility is expected to carry forward, albeit in a more intense, layered narrative.
A Strong Technical Backbone
One of the most notable additions to Deluxe is cinematographer and filmmaker Rajeev Ravi, who comes on board to handle the visuals. Known for his ability to capture socio-political landscapes with a raw, immersive eye, Rajeev’s involvement signals a film that will likely push further into atmospheric realism.
Joju and Rajeev have previously collaborated on Thuramukham, and their reunion here adds weight to the film’s technical ambitions. Backing the project is producer Venu Kunnappilly under the Kavya Film Company banner, ensuring the scale matches the vision.
The film will also introduce several new faces in prominent roles, expanding the character pool beyond the first instalment. In Pani, actors like Sagar Surya and Junaiz brought unpredictability to the antagonist space, and it remains to be seen how Deluxe builds on or reinvents that dynamic.
What is clear, however, is Joju’s intent to move beyond a one-off success. With Deluxe, he is actively shaping a continuing narrative world, one that could evolve into a full-fledged franchise. In an industry where sequels often play it safe, this attempt at world-building stands out.
Pani not only performed well theatrically but also found a wider audience upon its OTT release, cementing its place as a gritty, character-driven success. Deluxe now carries the weight of that reception, along with the opportunity to deepen and expand its universe.
For Joju George, this is less about repeating a formula and more about pushing it forward. Deluxe is the next move, and if early indications hold, it is aiming to be bigger, darker and far more unforgiving.
Also Read: Joju George Vs Lijo Jose Pellissery: The ‘Churuli’ Controversy Explained
