Fahadh Faasil’s much-anticipated Malayalam film Karate Chandran, directed by debutant Roy, has officially commenced shooting. The film began production with a pooja and switch-on ceremony in Kottayam on October 24, marking the directorial debut of Roy, who has worked as a co-director with filmmaker Dileesh Pothan since “Maheshinte Prathikaaram”.
Written by S Hareesh and Vinoy Thomas, “Karate Chandran” is produced by Dileesh Pothan, Fahadh Faasil and Syam Pushkaran under the banner of Bhavana Studios. The film is scheduled to be shot over approximately 140 days in Kottayam and neighbouring areas. The makers have yet to announce its release date.
Ensemble cast and technical crew
Fahadh Faasil headlines the film, which features an ensemble cast comprising Vijayaraghavan, Johny Antony, Sudheesh, Renji Panicker, Gokul Suresh, Suresh Krishna, Spadikam George, Manohari Joy, Jaya Kurup and Manjusree Nair. Further details about the characters and storyline remain under wraps.
The technical team includes cinematographer Rakesh Haridas, editor Kiran Das, music composer Justin Varghese, art director Vivek Kalathil, costume designer Mashar Hamsa and makeup artist Ronex Xavier.
The film brings together Fahadh and Roy for a project that marks the latter's transition from working behind the scenes to directing his first feature film. Roy's experience as a co-director on Dileesh Pothan's films adds to the anticipation surrounding the collaboration.
Bhavana Studios’ busy line-up
“Karate Chandran” is the latest project from Bhavana Studios, which has established a strong presence in Malayalam cinema with films such as “Kumbalangi Nights”, “Joji”, “Thankam” and “Premalu”. The production house is coming off the success of “Bethlehem Kudumba Unit”, directed by Girish AD and starring Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju.
The banner is also gearing up for the release of “Picnic”, directed by debutant Kiran Josey. The film stars Sandeep Pradeep and Indrajith Sukumaran, alongside an ensemble cast that includes Dileesh Pothan. Written by Kiran Josey and Anuraj OB, “Picnic” is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release in January next year.
With “Karate Chandran” now on floors and “Picnic” progressing towards its scheduled release, Bhavana Studios has two distinct projects in its upcoming slate. Meanwhile, audiences will be keen to see what Fahadh Faasil and Roy bring to the screen through their first collaboration as actor and director.
