Thiagarajan Kumararaja’s Pocket Novel has completed filming, marking a significant step towards the filmmaker’s return to the big screen. The director, best known for the cult favourites Aaranya Kaandam and Super Deluxe, is making his third feature film, bringing together Vijay Sethupathi and an ensemble cast that includes Raj B Shetty, Malavika Mohanan and Kishore. The film also marks Kumararaja’s first feature directorial since Super Deluxe, which was released in 2019, following his work on the anthology series Modern Love: Chennai.

The completion of the shoot brings the film closer to its next phase of production, although the makers are yet to announce a release date. With a cast featuring performers from different film industries and Ilaiyaraaja composing the music, Pocket Novel has emerged as one of the projects to watch out for as Kumararaja returns to feature filmmaking.

Vijay Sethupathi and Thiagarajan Kumararaja reunite after Super Deluxe

Pocket Novel was first announced in February 2026, with Kumararaja and Vijay Sethupathi set to collaborate once again after their acclaimed 2019 film Super Deluxe. That film, which brought together multiple intersecting storylines and an eclectic ensemble, remains a defining entry in both their filmographies. Their reunion has consequently generated interest, particularly given Kumararaja’s relatively selective approach to feature filmmaking.

The film’s title was subsequently revealed, along with the announcement of Raj B Shetty, Malavika Mohanan and Kishore as members of the cast. The combination brings together actors with distinct screen identities and experience across Kannada, Malayalam and Tamil cinema. While details about their respective characters and the film’s plot remain under wraps, the casting adds another layer of curiosity to the project.

Ilaiyaraaja has been roped in to compose the music, reuniting with Kumararaja after Modern Love: Chennai. The anthology series, which featured six stories set in the city, offered the filmmaker an opportunity to explore different shades of contemporary relationships. His collaboration with the veteran composer on Pocket Novel marks another meeting of two artists whose work has occupied distinctive places in Tamil cinema.

As with his previous feature films, Kumararaja has kept much of the narrative under wraps. The title offers little indication of the story, and the makers have yet to reveal a detailed synopsis. For now, the reunion with Sethupathi and the eclectic cast remain the most prominent talking points surrounding the film.

Andrew Louis pens the screenplay as Kumararaja takes on production duties

Pocket Novel brings another filmmaker into the creative mix, with Andrew Louis, the creator of the crime thriller series Vadhandhi, credited with the story and screenplay. Known for his work in the crime and thriller space, Louis brings a different storytelling background to a project directed by a filmmaker whose features have frequently explored unconventional narratives and morally complex characters. Whether the collaboration signals a shift in Kumararaja’s approach remains to be seen.

The technical team includes cinematographer Nirav Shah, editor Sathyaraj Natarajan, art director V Shanmugaraja and stunt choreographer Dhilip Subbarayan. Ezhilmathy, who is co-producing the film, also serves as its costume designer. Sathyaraj Natarajan has an additional responsibility as executive producer, making his involvement extend beyond the editing room.

Kumararaja is producing Pocket Novel alongside SD Ezhilmathy under the Tyler Durden and Kino Fist banner. The production setup places the director in a key role both behind the camera and in overseeing the film’s development.

Since the release of Super Deluxe, Kumararaja has remained an intriguing presence in Tamil cinema, with audiences awaiting his next feature-length work. His films have often resisted conventional narrative structures, combining dark humour, social observation and unexpected turns. The completion of Pocket Novel’s shoot now brings that long-awaited return a step closer.

With post-production details and a release date yet to be announced, the film’s next update is likely to offer a clearer picture of what Kumararaja has been working on. Until then, the reunion with Vijay Sethupathi, the addition of Andrew Louis to the writing team and Ilaiyaraaja’s music provide plenty of reasons for anticipation.

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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.

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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.

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