Sundeep Kishan is preparing to enter the world of fantasy with Karikaala, an upcoming socio-fantasy adventure that promises to take audiences into an unfamiliar cinematic landscape. The film, which was announced earlier, has now added another name to its cast, with the makers confirming that Catherine Tresa Alexander will play the female lead opposite Sundeep.

Produced by Mahidhar Reddy and Rajashekhar Annabhimoju under the Shining Pictures banner, the film is directed by Ugandhar Muni. Planned as a multilingual production, Karikaala is expected to release in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi. The makers have also revealed an ambitious theatrical strategy, with the story set to unfold across two instalments in 2027.

Catherine Tresa joins Sundeep Kishan in a Chandamama-inspired world

Catherine’s casting announcement comes after the makers introduced Sundeep Kishan’s character through a first-look poster that presented the actor in a striking warrior-like avatar. The image offered a glimpse of the film’s fantastical setting, suggesting a character who will be navigating a world of adventure, danger and extraordinary encounters.

The team has also revealed that Karikaala takes inspiration from the fairy tales published in Chandamama magazine. A familiar name in Indian publishing, Chandamama introduced generations of readers to stories steeped in folklore, mythology and magical adventures. Drawing from this tradition gives the film an interesting starting point, although the makers have yet to reveal how these influences will shape the narrative or the world inhabited by its characters.

For Catherine Tresa Alexander, Karikaala adds another Telugu project to her filmography. The actor was last seen in Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, the Chiranjeevi-starrer directed by Anil Ravipudi that enjoyed a successful run. She played an assistant to Chiranjeevi’s character in the film, which brought her back to the forefront of a major commercial production.

Her association with Karikaala marks a new on-screen pairing with Sundeep Kishan. With the makers yet to reveal details about her role, audiences will have to wait for further announcements to understand how her character fits into the story. The casting news, however, gives the project another talking point as it begins building anticipation ahead of its theatrical release.

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Sricharan Pakala has been roped in as the film’s music director. His contribution will be particularly important in shaping the soundscape of a fantasy adventure, where music can help establish the atmosphere and lend scale to the world on screen.

Ugandhar Muni reunites with fantasy after Shambhala

Karikaala brings together Sundeep Kishan and Ugandhar Muni, who previously attracted attention with Shambhala. The fantasy thriller, starring Aadi Saikumar, emerged as a much-needed commercial success for the actor after a prolonged period without a major hit. The film also helped put Muni’s work in the genre under the spotlight.

With Karikaala, the director appears ready to explore the possibilities of a larger fantasy setting. While the makers have not disclosed much about the plot, the Chandamama connection and Sundeep’s warrior avatar indicate an emphasis on imaginative storytelling. Whether the film leans more towards folklore, action or supernatural adventure remains to be seen.

For Sundeep, the project arrives at a time when he continues to balance work across Telugu and Tamil cinema. His latest release was Sigma, the Tamil film directed by Jason Sanjay in his directorial debut. Jason is the son of actor and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay. However, Sigma did not meet expectations, particularly in the Telugu market, making his upcoming projects important additions to his filmography.

The two-part format sets Karikaala apart from a conventional standalone release. The first chapter is scheduled to arrive in theatres on July 2, 2027, while the second instalment is slated for October 28, 2027. The relatively close release window suggests that audiences may not have to wait too long to discover how the larger story progresses.

With Catherine joining the cast, a folklore-inspired premise and a multilingual release plan, Karikaala is shaping up to be an ambitious addition to Sundeep Kishan’s career. More details about the film’s supporting cast, characters and storyline are expected to emerge as the makers move closer to production and release.

Also Read: Nayanthara & Catherine Tresa To Join Chiranjeevi And Anil Ravipudi’s film?

Hello Dear, the upcoming Malayalam romantic comedy starring Mamitha Baiju and Sangeeth Prathap, is set to arrive in theatres on January 29, 2027. The makers announced the release date on Friday, offering audiences a glimpse of the film through a new poster featuring its lead pair sharing a playful moment. With two familiar faces from Malayalam cinema coming together for a romantic entertainer, the film is among the projects to watch out for in the coming year.

The film marks the directorial debut of actor and writer Dinoy Paulose, who has previously been associated with several notable Malayalam projects as a screenwriter and performer. While details about the storyline remain under wraps, the combination of a young lead pair and an established production team has placed Hello Dear on the radar of Malayalam cinema audiences.

Dinoy Paulose takes the directorial route

Before stepping behind the camera for Hello Dear, Dinoy Paulose built his reputation through his work as a writer and actor. He was one of the co-writers of Thanneer Mathan Dinangal, the 2019 coming-of-age comedy that emerged as a major commercial success and struck a chord with younger audiences. The film’s blend of everyday school life, youthful romance and humour made it a significant entry in contemporary Malayalam cinema.

Paulose has also been associated with Pathrosinte Padappukal and Visudha Mejo, projects in which he served as a writer and actor. His experience across writing and performance now leads him to a new phase of his career, with Hello Dear giving him an opportunity to shape a film from behind the camera.

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The project brings together producer Ashiq Usman and director Arun D Jose, who is attached to the film as co-producer. The technical team includes cinematographer Akhil George, editor Chaman Chakko and composer Govind Vasantha. With the film positioned as a romantic comedy, the coming together of this team will be central to establishing its visual style, pacing and musical identity.

Although the makers have kept further details about the narrative and supporting cast under wraps, the release-date announcement has offered the first indication of the film’s lighthearted approach. The poster’s playful exchange between the two protagonists also places the relationship at the centre of its initial promotional campaign.

Mamitha Baiju and Sangeeth Prathap line up new projects

For Mamitha Baiju, Hello Dear arrives at a particularly busy phase in her career. The actor has been riding a strong run with consecutive successes, including Vishwanath & Sons and Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, further strengthening her position as one of the prominent young performers in Malayalam cinema. Her choices have also extended beyond her home industry, with two Tamil projects adding to her upcoming slate.

She is set to headline Irandu Vaanam, a romantic fantasy featuring Vishnu Vishaal, while she is also part of the tentatively titled PRS 01. The latter is produced by Pradeep Ranganathan, her co-star in Dude, adding another Tamil-language project to her growing filmography. These films reflect her expanding presence across industries as she continues to balance Malayalam projects with opportunities in Tamil cinema.

Sangeeth Prathap, meanwhile, has been exploring a different dimension of his career. He was last seen in It’s A Medical Miracle, which marked his first outing as a lead actor. Having previously earned recognition through supporting roles, the move towards leading a film represents an important step in his professional journey.

His next project is a mystery thriller directed by Vivek, known for helming Athiran. The upcoming film also stars Anna Ben, bringing together two performers associated with Malayalam cinema’s newer generation.

With Hello Dear, Mamitha and Sangeeth will now share the screen in a romantic comedy that could offer a change of pace from their other upcoming projects. As the film gears up for its January 29, 2027 theatrical release, further announcements are expected to shed light on its story and the characters at the heart of Dinoy Paulose’s directorial debut.

Also Read: Vishwanath And Sons Collections: Suriya’s Film Enters Rs 100 Crore Club at The Box Office

Rekha is the very definition of a diva, exuding elegance and charisma wherever she goes. The actress, who celebrates her birthday today, has a way of turning heads and commanding attention with her unmistakable presence. On the occasion, we take a look back at some rare and previously unseen pictures from different phases of her life and career. Capturing the timeless beauty and magnetic charm that have made Rekha an enduring icon of Indian cinema, these images offer glimpses into her world, from candid behind-the-scenes moments to glamorous appearances. As fans and admirers celebrate the legendary star, this collection serves as a tribute to her illustrious journey and the enigmatic allure that continues to make her one of Bollywood’s most beloved divas.