Sai Pallavi will be seen in a powerful police officer's role in Dhanush's upcoming Tamil film "OM: Chapter 1 – Udhiram – The Blood Wood". The makers have introduced the actress as Nithya Reddy, an officer investigating the illegal red sandalwood trade, through a character glimpse unveiled on October 26.
Directed by Rajkumar Periasamy, the action thriller features Dhanush and Malayalam superstar Mammootty in prominent roles. Sai Pallavi's character is an Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and her investigation forms a crucial part of the film's narrative.
Sai Pallavi in a key role
According to the character introduction, Nithya Reddy began her career as an Assistant Superintendent of Police in the Andhra Pradesh police cadre before being promoted to the CBI. She is subsequently assigned to work with Interpol and leads an investigation into red sandalwood smuggling under an operation codenamed OM.
The character also has a personal connection to the fight against forest crimes. Nithya is the daughter of an Indian Forest Service officer who was killed in the line of duty while protecting forests. This background adds an emotional dimension to her mission to bring those involved in the illegal trade to justice.
The role marks an interesting addition to Sai Pallavi's filmography, which includes acclaimed performances in films such as Premam, Fidaa, Gargi and Amaran. She reunites with Rajkumar Periasamy after Amaran, the 2024 biographical action drama starring Sivakarthikeyan. Her portrayal of an investigating officer in OM is expected to offer audiences a different side of the actress.
Om releasing in theatres on November 20, 2026
Dhanush plays a woodcutter caught up in the red sandalwood trade, while Mammootty's character remains one of the film's major attractions. The ensemble cast also includes Sreeleela and Naseeruddin Shah, who makes his Tamil cinema debut with the project.
The film is written and directed by Rajkumar Periasamy, who is expanding his association with Sai Pallavi following the success of Amaran. Sai Abhyankkar is composing the music, while Ezhil Arasu K handles cinematography. The action sequences are choreographed by Yannick Ben and Kecha Khamphakdee.
Initially scheduled to release on October 16, OM: Chapter 1 – Udhiram – The Blood Wood was postponed to avoid a box-office clash with Rajinikanth's Jailer 2. The film is now scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 20, 2026.
With Dhanush and Mammootty sharing screen space and Sai Pallavi taking on a law-enforcement role, the film has emerged as one of the notable upcoming Tamil releases. Its focus on the illegal red sandalwood trade, combined with an investigative storyline and action elements, adds to the anticipation surrounding the project.
