Veteran star Venkatesh Daggubati is all set to reunite with director Anil Ravipudi for yet another entertainer, and the film will be announced soon. The actor–director duo last worked together in Sankranthiki Vasthunnam and Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, both of which struck a chord with audiences thanks to their blend of family emotions, humour, and engaging storytelling.
Their new collaboration is expected to continue in the same successful space, while also offering something fresh. The biggest highlight of this upcoming film is the casting of Fahadh Faasil, one of the most respected actors in Indian cinema today. Known for his powerful performances in Malayalam cinema and his impactful role in Pushpa, Fahadh will be seen playing Venkatesh’s brother in the film.
This marks the first on-screen pairing of the two actors and has instantly raised expectations. Fans are eager to see how their contrasting acting styles come together in a strong emotional setup. In his latest interview, Anil Ravipudi even gave a hint that the casting of his next will surprise one and all.
Sources suggest that the brotherly bond between Venkatesh and Fahadh will be one of the core elements of the story. With Anil Ravipudi at the helm, the film is expected to balance emotion, humor, and drama, while giving both Venkatesh and Fahadh enough scope to shine. The dynamic between the two characters is said to be a key driving force of the narrative.
The film is currently in the early stages of production, with casting and pre-production work moving at a steady pace. The makers have locked January 2027 as the release window, aiming to bring the film to audiences during the festive season. With a fresh and exciting casting choice and a promising release plan, this Venkatesh–Anil Ravipudi film is shaping up to be one of the most awaited projects of 2027.
Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira (OKCK) is a Malayalam-language comedy movie that was released in theaters on August 29, 2025. Directed by Althaf Salim, this absurdist black humour flick is currently streaming on Netflix.
If you haven’t watched the film and are planning to catch it this weekend, here’s the Pinkvilla review.
The Plot
Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira follows the story of Aby and Nidhi, an engaged couple set to marry soon. Just a day before their wedding, Nidhi recalls the whimsical dream she has been having over the past few days, where Aby arrives at their wedding on a white horse, looking majestic.
Wanting to fulfill her dream, Aby arranges for a white-colored horse and arrives at the wedding, riding it. However, the horse gets startled by camera flashes at the event, causing Aby to fall and hit his head, leaving him in a coma.
What will happen to Aby, and how his relationship with Nidhi evolves after the accident, forms the central narrative of the movie.
The Good
Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira is clearly a film that doesn’t rely on logic or realism in its storytelling. The story and the characters are crafted in a quirky manner that supports the film’s fun and eccentric tone.
Where logic fails, humor takes over, resulting in chaotic misadventures. Delving into the themes of love and despair, the film takes a darkly comic approach to depression and its surrounding struggles.
The eccentricity and tone of the film make this a series of misadventures, one of the funniest ventures in recent Malayalam cinema. The screenplay, penned by Althaf Salim, is a hilarious experiment that successfully manages to blend dark humor and absurdity.
The trope of the unlucky hero and “cute girl” is handled adequately by Fahadh and Kalyani, but it’s Lal who steals the show. The director-turned-actor is impressive as Aby’s father, delivering an effortless combination of eccentricity and comedic brilliance with his quirks. The film also boasts interesting and sharp dialogue, even being self-aware at points.
Coming to the technical aspects, Justin Varghese crafts an impressive list of musical tracks, while Nidhin Raj Arol handled the editing to a great extent.
The Bad
Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira is a bold attempt at redefining storytelling. The film’s absurd tone and unconventional approach may alienate some viewers, especially those unfamiliar or unappreciative of surrealist comedy.
Those unable to grasp the limerick-style writing and tonality of the characters may find the experience disjointed or underwhelming.
The film also suffers from inconsistency in pacing. OKCK occasionally struggles to keep a viewer engaged as its momentum takes a hit here and there. This is evident where some jokes seem to miss the mark due to poor timing.
The Performances
Fahadh Faasil shines with a rather different avatar than what he is used to. As the central figure of the story, Fafa strikes a balance between his charm and emotional vulnerability.
While Kalyani is limited to the role of being a cute girl, which she is often given, Revathi Pillai holds strong as a character of solid depth.
As Lal becomes the life of the entire movie with his wit and comedic timing, Vinay Forrt and Suresh Krishna also deserve special applause for their efforts.
Watch Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira trailer here:
The Verdict
Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira is tailored for a niche audience who appreciates experimentation in the genre of comedy. The absurd nature may feel uncomfortable or off-putting for some, but for those who enjoy dark and offbeat comedy, it is an entertaining and memorable watch.
A fresh lineup of Telugu and Kannada movies is set to stream this week on OTT. If you’re wondering what to watch, here’s a list of releases ranging from romantic comedy dramas to crime actioners you need to check out.
5 Telugu and Kannada movies to watch on OTT this week:
Sundarakanda is a romantic comedy drama that follows Siddhartha, a man who is about to turn 40. A stubborn bachelor, he has 5 non-negotiable ideals for his life partner, making it nearly impossible for him to find love.
His life takes a surprising turn when he falls for Eira, a young student at the college where he works as a lecturer. But things get complicated when Vaishnavi, his childhood love, returns to his life. Whether Siddhartha finds his life partner is what the film is about.
Hridayapoorvam is a Malayalam language movie starring Mohanlal in the lead role, which will be available for streaming in Telugu and Kannada. The story revolves around Sandeep Balakrishnan, a wealthy businessman who runs a cloud kitchen in Kochi, Kerala. Despite success, he lives in emotional isolation, restricting anyone from entering his personal circle.
A few weeks after undergoing his heart transplant surgery, Sandeep is invited to Pune for the engagement ceremony of Haritha, the daughter of his heart donor. However, circumstances make him extend his stay with Haritha and her family.
As he develops a deeper bond with them, Sandeep slowly begins to understand the emotions tied to the heart he received, leading him down a path of self-discovery and healing.
Ghaati is an action crime drama starring Anushka Shetty, which was released in theaters on September 5, 2025. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the film is set to stream on Amazon Prime Video from September 26, 2025.
The film narrates the story of Sheelavathi, a fierce woman from a marginalized community forced into the illegal cultivation and trade of cannabis. Dreaming of a better future, she attempts to break free from the crime world by starting an independent business.
However, this rebellion brings her into direct conflict with the local cannabis syndicate, leading to devastating personal losses. Rising from grim circumstances, Sheelavathi embarks on a journey of vengeance and empowerment, becoming a legend in her community.
4. Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira (Telugu and Kannada-dub)
Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira (OKCK) tells the story of Aby and Nidhi, a couple about to get married. A day before their wedding, Nidhi reveals a recurring dream in which Aby arrives on a white horse.
Wanting to fulfill her dream, Aby arranges a white horse for his wedding entry. However, on the big day, the horse is startled by camera flashes, causing Aby to fall and slip into a coma.
The film follows what happens to Aby and his relationship with Nidhi as they navigate through uncertainty and hope.
Doora Theera Yaana is a Kannada-language romantic drama that revolves around Akash and Bhoomi, a young techie couple who have been in a relationship for over five years and are now planning to get married.
But just before starting their wedding preparations, they begin questioning their relationship and whether it is truly the right step. To put their love to the test, the couple decides to go on a road trip.
Whether the journey helps in saving their long-term relationship or pushes them apart is the emotional heart of the film.
A popular actress in South cinema who is known for acting and dancing skills, became one of the most sensational talents in cinema. The actress is also known to have a strong personality even landing her in a controversy over her words.
Yes, we are talking about one of the most graceful actresses ever, Sai Pallavi. Let’s take a quick look into the celebrity’s filmography and personal life.
Sai Pallavi: From medical student to leading actress
Sai Pallavi started off her career in cinema at an early age, acting in uncredited role as junior artist in Tamil films like Kasthuri Maan and Jayam Ravi’s Dhaam Dhoom. Along with acting in a few advertisements, the actress had also made her appearance as a child in dance reality shows, despite not having formal training.
Moving ahead with her career in medicine, the actress ventured to Tbilisi, Georgia. In 2014, while pursuing her studies, director Alphonse Puthren contacted her for a film who was apparently calling her a second time in a span of six years.
However, Pallavi initially thought the director was a stalker and was considering lodging a complaint until all the misunderstandings were cleared by the director. After their introduction and the movie being offered, Sai Pallavi ventured into her debut role as Malar in Nivin Pauly starrer Premam, becoming a sensational hit.
Check out Nivin Pauly starrer Premam celebrating its 5th anniversary:
Interestingly, the actress had performed in the movie while pursuing her studies and also choreographed one of the dance scenes in the movie. Later on, the actress went on to feature in the lead role for her second film in Malayalam after taking a break from her studies. This led her to star opposite Dulquer Salmaan in the 2016 movie Kali.
By the year 2017, the actress ventured into Telugu cinemas, expanding her cinematic career to other languages. Her first film in Tollywood was the romantic comedy called Fidaa, starring Varun Tej Konidela and directed by Sekhar Kammula.
The character Bhanumati played by Pallavi was a strong-minded and feisty village girl which showcased a whole new layer in her performances. Soon after, she was also seen playing the lead role in the film MCA: Middle Class Abbayi with Nani which was also a hit.
Moving ahead, the actress went on to make her debut in Tamil films with movies like Diya and later on Dhanush starrer Maari 2. The film despite being met with mixed reviews featured the song Rowdy Baby composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja which shattered viewing records on YouTube, commending both the actors’ energetic dance performances.
Check out the song Rowdy Baby from Maari 2:
The actress later on featured in the lead role for the film Padi Padi Leche Manasu which eventually turned out to be a commercial failure. According to reports, owing to the film’s bad performance, the actress had refused to accept her full remuneration for the movie.
Moving ahead in her career, the actress acted in her third Malayalam film called Athiran with Fahadh Faasil and made her appearance opposite Suriya for the film, NGK. Over the last few years, the actress has collaborated with director Sekhar Kammula for the film Love Story featuring Naga Chaitanya in the lead role. Additionally reuniting with Nani for her next movie, Shyam Singha Roy.
Later on, she also acted in films like Virata Parvam opposite Rana Daggubati and even took up the lead role for Richie director Gautham Ramachandran’s film Gargi, after Jyothika refused.
Further ahead, the actress is all set to play the lead roles in films like Amaran starring Sivakarthikeyan and co-produced by Kamal Haasan. Besides the upcoming Tamil film, she will also be playing the lead in Naga Chaitanya’s Thandel and also star in Bollywood movies like Ranbir Kapoor-Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana and Junaid Khan’s untitled film.
Sai Pallavi’s personal life
Sai Pallavi Senthamarai Kannan was born in a Badaga family to Senthamarai Kannan and Radha, from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The actress also has a younger sister called Pooja Kannan who has also been part of films.
Despite having her hometown in Kotagiri, the actress was raised in Coimbatore, after which she went to Tbilisi to pursue her medicinal studies. Even though she has completed her studies and certification, the actress has not yet registered as a medical practitioner in India.
Sai Pallavi is also adept at speaking languages like Badaga, Tamil, English, Hindi, and Gregorian. Owing to her career, the actress later on also learned Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada languages.
Moreover, the actress is often known to have strong opinions and remarks about her standings, which even led her to reject a Rs 2 crore deal for endorsing a fairness cream. Furthermore, the actress had also once hit the headlines for her controversial comments about the film, The Kashmir Files.
The actress’ questions after comparing the film’s instance to cow vigilantism led to widespread criticism online which led to her issuing a clarification on her statements being misinterpreted. She also added that she would neither trivialize a tragedy nor be comfortable with mob lynchings.
Rashmika Mandanna is undeniably one of the most prominent and vibrant actresses in the country at present. Recently, the actress created history by becoming the first Indian to attend the CrunchyRoll Anime Awards in Tokyo. In fact, the actress was seen at the Mumbai airport just a couple of days back as she rushed to catch her flight for the island nation.
In the latest update, Pinkvilla was able to hold an exclusive interview with Rashmika Mandanna in Japan, where she opened up about her highly anticipated film, Pushpa 2: The Rule. Not only did the actress speak about her character from the upcoming film, but also about reuniting with the cast and crew after three long years.
Rashmika Mandanna reveals Srivalli has lot more conflicts
Speaking about her character, Srivalli’s role in Pushpa 2: The Rule, she revealed that she is now Pushpa’s wife, and that it comes with a lot of responsibilities. She further added that the sequel has a lot more drama, and character conflicts and mentioned that there is a ‘lot more masala’ in the film as well.
Further, the actress also opened up about working with a perfectionist like director Sukumar, and mentioned that there are high expectations on the film, as well as the artists. She further said that it’s up to the artist as to how much they want to deliver, and said that her performance in Pushpa 2 has been the best that she did on a particular day.
Check out the full interview below:
Rashmika Mandanna says ‘it’s party time’ as she reunites with Pushpa team for sequel
Talking in the interview, the Animal actress opened up about how it felt reuniting with Allu Arjun, Sukumar and the rest of the team for the sequel. She mentioned that working for such a long time, the cast and crew had become really close, and so it just felt like home when they reunited for the sequel. The actress said:
“It starts feeling like home. Like, when you finished one film, and towards the end of the film you get really connected with the cast and crew, right, so when you have the part 2 coming, again you’re like ‘Hey, what’s up!?’ and you just, sort of like – it’s party time”
What we know about Pushpa 2 so far
Pushpa 2 is set to be the fourth on-screen collaboration between Sukumar and Allu Arjun after the Arya franchise and the 2021 film. The film also has Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Prakash Raj, Sunil and more in crucial roles apart from the Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo actor and Rashmika Mandanna.
Further, the film has been bankrolled by Mythri Movie Makers while National Award winner Devi Sri Prasad composes the music for the film. The film is slated to hit the silver screens on Independence Day, 2024.
The year 2023 was a mixed bag as far as Malayalam movies are concerned. Of course, there wasn’t any shortage of good and inventive cinema. But the quality of these films failed to replicate itself in their box office collections. There have been fewer than five clean hits in the industry this year. But the films that did attain commercial success turned out to be blockbusters. Take, for instance, Romancham, which became the surprise hit of the year, or 2018, which went on to become the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time.
Alas, the theatrical success of these films is a conversation for another day. Right now, let’s look at the best Malayalam movies that came out in the first half of this year, in no particular order.
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam
Movie Genre: Comedy, Drama
Running Time: 1h 44m
Movie Star Cast: Mammootty, Ramya Suvi, Ramya Pandian, Ashokan
Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery
Writer: S Hareesh
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
As Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam brought together a cinematic legend and an out-of-the-box filmmaker, people had already rated the film very highly even before watching it. Lijo Jose Pellissery and Mammootty created a film that wasn’t as chaotic as the filmmaker’s previous directorial ventures but was intriguing nonetheless. Mammootty’s towering presence hooked the audience to the screens. Pellissery, one of the most exciting filmmaking voices in the country today, did not indulge in any spoon-feeding and let the audience think for themselves.
2018
Movie Genre: Survival thriller
Running Time: 2h 34m
Movie Star Cast: Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Narain, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Aparna Balamurali
Director: Jude Anthany Joseph
Writer: Akhil P. Dharmajan, Jude Anthany Joseph
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Sony Liv
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
The 2018 Kerala floods was a disastrous event for the people of the state. As the film was based on a true incident that impacted the lives of every person living in Kerala, in some capacity, people connected with the film in a way that was almost unprecedented. Jude Anthany Joseph crafted a film that pulled people’s heartstrings and spoke to the audience’s emotional core. To add to its success, 2018 was also a technically solid film.
Purusha Pretham
Movie Genre: Procedural drama, Satirical comedy
Running Time: 2h 33m
Movie Star Cast: Alexander Prasanth, Jagadish, Darshana Rajendran, Maala Parvathi
Director:Krishand
Writer: Ajith Haridas, Manu Thodupuzha
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Sony Liv
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
The police procedural movie featured the year’s breakout star, Alexander Prasanth. The film revolves around humorous commentary on the daily lives of police officers. With the intricate characterization of its lead character, SI Sebastian, Purusha Pretham was intriguing, inventive, and engaging. The film is a satirical take on a serious issue, and the way the narrative was explored was unique.
Iratta
Movie Genre: Drama, Thriller, Mystery
Running Time: 1h 52m
Movie Star Cast: Joju George, Anjali, Arya Salim, Srikant Murali
Director:Rohit M G Krishnan
Writer: Rohit M G Krishnan
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Featuring Joju George in dual roles, Iratta was haunting in every sense of the word. Joju played a huge role in pulling the audience into the world of Iratta with his masterful performance. The film keeps you wondering till the end, and the reveal is sure to give you literal chills. Also to note, this isn’t a preferred watch for anyone looking for a jovial time at the movies. Iratta is a disturbing watch that is sure to make you uncomfortable.
Thankam
Movie Genre: Crime, Drama
Running Time: 2h 25m
Movie Star Cast: Biju Menon, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Aparna Balamurali
Director:Saheed Arafath
Writer: Syam Pushkaran
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Thankam is written by one of the most trusted writers in Malayalam cinema at the moment, who has consistently delivered quality content. Written by Syam Pushkaran, Thankam was an immersive watch that deserved more appreciation for what it did with an intriguing core plot. The well-acted and well-made film revolves around the world of gold dealing in Thrissur. What makes the film even more exciting is that it is based on true events.
Romancham
Movie Genre: Comedy, Horror
Running Time: 2h 9m
Movie Star Cast: Soubin Shahir, Arjun Ashokan, Sajin Gopu, Siju Sunny
Director:Jithu Madhavan
Writer: Jithu Madhavan
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Romancham may not be the most layered or intricate film on this list, but it definitely managed to connect with the Malayali audience in a way that no other film in recent times could. A relatable film about friendship and the Ouija board struck a chord with the general audience. It was a film made for theaters, as Romancham reminded everyone that movies are, at the end of the day, a collective experience. It is the kind of film that you watch with your friends to have a good time and relax.
Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum
Movie Genre: Comedy, Drama
Running Time: 2h 51m
Movie Star Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Anjana Jayaprakash, Dhwani Rajesh, Viji Venkatesh
Director:Akhil Sathyan
Writer: Akhil Sathyan
Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum, set in the Sathyan Anthikad universe of feel-good films, is anything but complex. That is also the beauty of it. With Fahadh Faasil’s incredible comic timing and three wonderful female characters from three generations, the film was successful in what it set out to achieve. Fahadh was back in his Njan Prakashan and Oru Indian Pranayakadha zone for this one. Anjana Jayaprakash as Hamsadhwani, Dhwani Rajesh as Nidhi, and Viji Venkatesh as Laila were magical in their respective roles.
Following the success of Pushpa in 2021, the Sukumar-directed Pushpa 2 featuring Allu Arjun, Fahadh Faasil, and Rashmika Mandanna is among the most awaited films of Indian Cinema. The action-packed gangster saga is gearing up for a release in the window of May to August 2024, depending on the shoot schedules of the film. The first part features Fahadh Faasil in an extended appearance, but the actor promises a lot more of him in the sequel.
“The second part has a lot more of Bhanwar Singh,” promises Fahadh Faasil
In an exclusive conversation with Pinkvilla, Fahadh said, “The second part of Pushpa has a lot more of Bhanwar Singh. There is a lot of conflict happening between the two characters and the second part revolves around the conflict.” Pushpa 2 aside, the Malayalam Film Industry has been buzzing about a collaboration of Fahadh with Premam director, Alphonse Puthren. When asked for an update on the same, Fahadh confirmed the development and informed that it will go on floors next year.
“We are trying to go on floors next year. Alphonse is busy with a film now and even I am completing my commitments. We want to do it at a time when both of us are mentally in and totally free to focus on the film,” the smiled. Fahadh is also a part of the Lokesh Kanagraj Cinematic Universe, which started with Kaithi followed by Vikram, and now Leo.
“Discussions are on with Lokesh Kanagraj for LCU,” says Fahadh Faasil
The actor has been in conversation with Lokesh for a return to the universe after making a debut in Vikram. Talking about the universe, he concluded, “It’s super exciting. I know that he is going to put all the characters back in some form or the other. Discussions are on, so let’s see when things fall in place.”
After Shah Rukh Khan‘s box office hit, everyone is desperately waiting for his Jawan. The film directed by South director Atlee is among the most-awaited films of the year. Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi are going to play pivotal roles in the film. Recently, rumours had it that Pushpa star Allu Arjun has been approached by makers to play a special cameo in the film. It got all the fans super excited as it would be for the first time that Allu Arjun and Shah Rukh Khan will be seen in a movie together. But here’s some disappointing news. Also Read – Ranbir Kapoor hooked to Allu Arjun’s role from Pushpa; ‘If I had gotten a character like this..’
As per the latest updates, Allu Arjun has rejected the role. A report in Pinkvilla states that Allu Arjun was given a narration of the film but due to his packed schedule, he had to say no. He is reportedly running on a choco block schedule as he is prepping hard for Pushpa: The Rule. The shooting for the same is underway and he has two major schedules to wrap up. The report also suggests that Allu Arjun took his time to think about his role in Jawan but it was difficult for him to choose the role over Pushpa. Well, this indeed is sad news for all those who wanted to see Shah Rukh Khan and Allu Arjun together. Also Read – Taraka Ratna Last Rites: Jr NTR, Venkatesh Daggubati and more attend funeral and pay respects to the actor [Watch Video]
There are several reports suggest that the first look of Pushpa 2 will be out on Allu Arjun’s birthday which falls on April 8. The film will mostly won’t release this year.
