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Nivin Pauly has officially started shooting for Benz, joining Raghava Lawrence in the much-anticipated fourth film in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). The Malayalam star shared the news on his social media handles, confirming his role as “Twin Fish Walter,” a character first teased in a brief promo earlier this year.
Nivin Pauly Steps Into Lokesh’s Expanding World
Benz is directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan, known for Remo (2014) and Sulthan (2021). This project is particularly significant because it is the first film in the LCU not directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj himself. Lokesh, however, remains closely involved as producer and creative supervisor, ensuring that the storyline fits seamlessly within the shared world established by Kaithi, Vikram, and Leo.
Raghava Lawrence headlines the film as the titular Benz, while Samyuktha has been cast in a key role. Fans have been speculating about the dynamic between Lawrence and Nivin Pauly’s characters, especially after early reports suggested that Walter may serve as the film’s antagonist.
Director Bakkiyaraj Kannan has spoken about the decision to bring in Nivin Pauly from the Malayalam industry, noting that actors from different regions bring “a unique energy and identity” to a story like Benz. This creative choice also reflects the LCU’s ongoing expansion beyond Tamil cinema, inviting a larger South Indian audience into its orbit.
Power Team Behind the Camera
Benz features a strong technical lineup. Music is by Sai Abhyankkar, marking his first major Tamil film score. Goutham George is in charge of cinematography, while Philomin Raj handles the editing. The art direction is led by Jacki, known for his detailed, realistic set designs.
The film is jointly produced by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Sudhan Sundaram, and Jagadish Palanisamy under the Passion Studios, G Squad, and The Route banners. Pradeep Boopathi serves as creative producer. Production began in Chennai in May 2025, with the initial schedule wrapping up in early June.
What makes Benz particularly exciting is its placement within the larger LCU timeline. While official plot details are being kept secret, industry buzz suggests that the story may connect to events that unfolded in Vikram and Leo, continuing Lokesh’s tradition of linking characters and storylines across multiple films.
Stepped in as Walter �🅱#Benz@Bakkiyaraj_k @Dir_Lokesh @Jagadishbliss @Sudhans2017 @GSquadOffl @PassionStudios_ @TheRoute @SaiAbhyankkar
[Statutory Warning: Smoking is injurious to health.] pic.twitter.com/Fs9auty41L
— Nivin Pauly (@NivinOfficial) October 16, 2025
Reports have also hinted at a special appearance by actor Ravi Mohan, who is expected to play an important supporting role. With its powerhouse cast and cross-industry collaborations, Benz appears ready to push the boundaries of the LCU further than ever before.
For fans, this film marks the beginning of a new phase for the cinematic universe, one where Lokesh Kanagaraj steps back from directing to guide the storytelling vision from behind the scenes.
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The first look promo of Arasan has taken over theatres across Tamil Nadu, marking the return of Vetri Maaran’s gritty cinematic universe. The film stars Silambarasan TR in dual roles, one as a young man full of attitude and another as an older version of himself, worn down by time and burdened by guilt.
Two Timelines, One Man
The clip opens with the aged Silambarasan standing in court, accused of three murders. Calm yet defiant, he begins to narrate his story to director Nelson, who plays himself in the scene. In a surprising meta moment, Silambarasan’s character asks Nelson to make a film about his life and even suggests casting Dhanush as the lead. The teaser closes with the words “An untold tale from the world of Vada Chennai,” setting the stage for a fresh chapter in the universe that began with Dhanush’s 2018 blockbuster.
The tone and mood instantly recall Vetri Maaran’s trademark realism, filled with moral conflicts, working-class struggles, and raw urban chaos. However, Arasan promises to stand alone, telling a new story that runs parallel to Vada Chennai rather than continuing it directly.
Music, Legacy, and Expectations
The film’s music has already sparked discussion. Anirudh Ravichander composes for the first time in a Vetri Maaran project, marking a departure from the darker, more grounded sound of Santhosh Narayanan’s earlier collaborations with the director. Anirudh’s score carries a sharper pulse that fits the violent, self-referential tone of Arasan.
Produced by Kalaipuli S. Thanu under his banner V Creations, the project has drawn attention not just for its cast and concept but also for what it represents in Tamil cinema. This is Silambarasan’s long-awaited team-up with Vetri Maaran. Years ago, STR was originally considered for the lead in Vada Chennai, a role that eventually went to Dhanush. That bit of history gives Arasan an ironic edge, since the actor now joins the very universe he once almost led.
The film’s Telugu version, titled Saamrajyam, is being promoted by Jr NTR, further widening its reach beyond Tamil Nadu. Fans have flooded social media with excitement, calling the promo a “mass comeback” for Silambarasan and praising Vetri Maaran’s bold storytelling.
As anticipation builds, Arasan looks ready to expand Vetri Maaran’s world of flawed heroes and brutal truths, this time with a self-aware twist that turns cinema itself into a character.
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