Experts question how the train could have maintained a speed of 76 kmph after passing two yellow signals and a red signal

After several production hurdles and long months of speculation, Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Vilayath Budha is finally ready for release. Directed by Jayan Nambiar, the film is an adaptation of writer GR Indugopan’s celebrated novel of the same name. Indugopan has co-written the screenplay with Rajesh Pinnadan, ensuring that the film retains the soul and complexity of the original work while making it accessible to a wider audience.

A Novel Brought to Life After a Tumultuous Journey

Vilayath Budha explores the tension between two men connected by ambition and resentment. Shammy Thilakan portrays Bhaskaran Master, an aging teacher who has devoted his life to nurturing a valuable sandalwood tree, while Prithviraj plays his former disciple, Double Mohanan, who now seeks to claim it for himself. The power struggle that unfolds between them becomes a reflection of greed, legacy, and the shifting moralities of survival.

Filming began in late 2022 but encountered several delays, most notably when Prithviraj suffered a severe leg injury during an action sequence. The accident forced an extended break in production, pushing the film’s completion timeline by months. Despite the setback, the team returned to finish the project with renewed determination, and the result promises to be one of the actor’s most compelling performances in recent years.

The film is produced by Sadnip Senan under Urvashi Theatres in collaboration with AV Anoop’s AVA Productions. The producers have reportedly spared no effort in ensuring that Vilayath Budha lives up to the expectations set by its source material.

#VilaayathBudha in cinemas, November 21st! #JayanNambiar@sandipsenan @Jakes_Bejoy#AnoopVasavan#UrvassiTheatres #AVAproductions@Poffactio pic.twitter.com/prJ1BtqpcC

— Prithviraj Sukumaran (@PrithviOfficial) November 5, 2025

The World of Sandalwood, Power and Redemption

Shot extensively in the rugged forest landscapes of Kerala, Vilayath Budha combines the earthy realism of its setting with the intensity of a human drama. The story’s focus on the sandalwood trade, a recurring motif in Indian literature and folklore, allows the film to delve into the underbelly of greed and the fraught relationship between man and nature.

The cast features a blend of seasoned and emerging talent. Alongside Prithviraj and Shammy Thilakan, the film stars Priyamvada Krishnan, Anu Mohan, Kottayam Ramesh, and Teejay Arunasalam. Cinematography is handled jointly by Arvind Kashyap, known for his striking work in Kantara, and Renadive, who has previously collaborated with Prithviraj on multiple projects. The visual style, from what has been revealed in teasers and stills, blends lush natural backdrops with gritty realism, capturing both the beauty and brutality of the environment.

The film’s music is composed by Jakes Bejoy, whose haunting scores in Ranam and Ayyappanum Koshiyum have earned him critical acclaim. Editing is by Sreejith Sarang, and production design is led by Banglan, who brings his signature authenticity to the film’s aesthetic.

While the novel is known for its introspective tone and moral ambiguity, the filmmakers have reportedly reworked portions of the screenplay to create a more cinematic experience without losing the depth of the original. Early previews hint at a tightly paced thriller that balances character-driven storytelling with striking visual spectacle.

The teaser, released earlier this year, drew immediate comparisons to Pushpa due to its focus on sandalwood smuggling. Prithviraj, however, was quick to clarify that Vilayath Budha is an entirely different story, grounded in Kerala’s socio-political reality. “Our film is local to its core,” he stated in an interview, underlining the project’s rootedness in Malayalam sensibilities rather than pan-Indian stylisation.

With Vilayath Budha, Prithviraj continues his streak of diverse and ambitious projects. His upcoming Malayalam films include Khalifa with Vysakh, i, Nobody with Nissam Basheer, Santhosh Trophy with Vipin Das, and Operation Cambodia directed by Tharun Moorthy. He is also set to star in Kaaliyan, a historical epic from debut filmmaker S Mahesh.

Beyond Malayalam cinema, Prithviraj is currently working on Meghna Gulzar’s Daayra alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan and is part of SS Rajamouli’s next big project, featuring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.

As Vilayath Budha nears release, it stands as both a personal comeback for Prithviraj and a long-awaited cinematic adaptation of one of Malayalam literature’s most intriguing works. For audiences, it promises the return of a performer at the peak of his craft, and a story that challenges the line between loyalty and desire.

Also Read: Parvathy Thiruvothu Finishes Filming for Prithviraj Sukumaran’s I, Nobody

There’s a special kind of movie star who doesn’t just entertain but genuinely wants to say something important. Aamir Khan is one of those rare actors. Over the years, he has carefully picked films that aren’t just big box-office hits but also powerful stories that hold a mirror up to our society, making us think about the big stuff and things like education, gender roles, and genuine patriotism. He has a real knack for taking a complicated or sensitive issue and making it into a super engaging story that people from all walks of life can understand and relate to. We take a close look at six of his most impactful movies, exploring how they deliver their crucial social messages while also being fantastic cinematic experiences that stick with you long after the credits roll. 

Lagaan (2001) 

Message: Unity and Courage Against Oppression

Set in the time of British rule in India, this film is a beautiful and motivating story about a small, drought-stricken village whose people are struggling under huge taxes. When an arrogant British officer challenges them to a cricket match, a game they know nothing about, with the tax relief as the prize, it becomes a difficult task. The story is an underdog tale, showing how people from different backgrounds put aside their differences to learn a new skill and fight for their dignity. It’s all about the power of community, believing in yourself even when the odds are stacked completely against you, and finding the courage to take a huge risk for a better tomorrow. As Bhuvan, Aamir Khan is the simple, honest young farmer who becomes the unexpected leader of his village. You can feel his determination and the enormous weight of responsibility he carries. His performance is particularly brilliant in the way he motivates the different group of villagers, turning them into a united, fighting team. 

Rang De Basanti (2006) 

Message: Revolution and Civic Responsibility 

This movie brilliantly brings together two stories: the lives of five carefree, slightly directionless college friends in modern-day Delhi and the real-life struggles of Indian freedom fighters from the past. The friends are cast in a documentary about the revolutionaries, and as they step into those historical roles, the sacrifices of the past start to resonate with their present lives. The film criticizes the corruption in the society and was a powerful call to be the ones who take action. It shows that revolution isn’t just a historical event but also an ongoing process that demands that every citizen wakes up and takes responsibility for their country. Aamir plays DJ (Daljeet), an aimless young man who is perfectly happy just drifting through life. His journey from being indifferent to becoming a passionate leader who’s ready to fight against a corrupt system marks the shift in the film’s plot. Aamir perfectly captures the transition from a jovial, lost student to someone driven by a deep sense of justice. His performance feels completely natural and raw, especially in the film’s later, more intense, and heartbreaking moments, making his character’s decision feel emotional. 

Taare Zameen Par (2007) 

Message: Understanding Learning Disabilities and Nurturing Individuality

The story revolves around an eight-year-old boy named Ishaan, who is misunderstood as lazy and a troublemaker because he struggles severely with reading and writing. No one, not even his strict parents, realizes he has dyslexia. He is sent away to a boarding school, where he becomes even more isolated. The film is a sensitive and beautifully made story at how our education system often fails children who think differently. It’s a powerful message for parents and teachers to look beyond grades and recognize that every child is unique, with their own special set of talents. Aamir plays Ram Shankar Nikumbh, the passionate and friendly art teacher who is the first person to truly see and understand Ishaan. He acts as a bridge between the confused child and the judgmental adult world. Aamir’s performance is not that of a typical hero, but of a mentor who uses his own past experiences and artistic methods to patiently help Ishaan unlock his potential. The scene where he explains Ishaan’s condition to the parents was one of the most hard-hitting scenes making the audience realize the true gravity of the situation. 

3 Idiots (2009) 

Message: Following Your Dreams 

This movie is a highly entertaining and witty comedy-drama that directly challenges the toxic, marks-obsessed Indian education system. The story is about three engineering students, particularly the free-spirited Rancho (Aamir Khan), who believes that passion and the pursuit of excellence are far more important than just chasing high grades and job titles. The film hilariously shows the pressure cooker environment students live in, criticising the style of rote learning and urging students to ‘follow excellence, and success will follow.’ It gave a message of prioritizing practical knowledge, curiosity, and mental well-being over meaningless competition. 

PK (2014) 

Message: Critiquing Religious Norms and Social Hypocrisy

This film uses a very unique and effective story of an innocent alien who lands on Earth. Because he has no understanding of human social customs, especially religion, he starts questioning everything he sees with pure, childlike logic. The movie is a brilliant satire that takes on superstition, blind faith, and the business of self-proclaimed Godmen. Through the alien’s simple, direct questions, the film encourages the audience to think critically about the religious practices they follow, urging them to remember that God is one, and true faith should connect people, not divide or exploit them. 

Dangal (2016) 

Message: Gender Equality and Female Empowerment

Based on the true story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, this film showcases that even girls are equally capable to excel in sports. Living in a patriarchal village in rural India, Mahavir dreams of winning a gold medal for his country but has no son. He decides to train his daughters, Geeta and Babita, in wrestling, a sport considered exclusively for men. The film shows their intense journey, fighting not just opponents in the ring but also the sexism and disapproval of their community. This film was also a huge shoutout for fathers who stand up for their daughters’ dreams and a strong statement that a daughter is no less than a son. 

Also Read: Aamir Khan to Receive First-ever RK Laxman Award for Excellence