Vilayath Buddha: Empuraan director Prithviraj Sukumaran’s next big film locks a festive release date | Exclusive

Vilayath Buddha: The much-anticipated movie adaptation of GR Indugopan’s novel that is helmed by Jayan Nambiar and has Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead has locked its 2025 release date

Prithviraj Sukumaran in a still from Vilayath Buddha

After his latest directorial L2: Empuraan has broken all box office records in Malayalam and also become the highest-grossing opener in Indian cinema in 2025, now all eyes are on Prithviraj Sukumaran’s acting ventures. The superstar is part of SS Rajamouli’s upcoming movie with Mahesh Babu, but before that, he has a few Malayalam and Hindi films lined up for release.

The first of these will be Vilayath Buddha, which is directed by Jayan Nambiar, who had previously served as an associate director in Prithviraj’s 2019 film Lucifer as well as Sachy’s films Anarkali and Ayyappanum Koshiyum.

Also read: 6 Prithviraj Sukumaran movies on OTT that prove he is a stellar actor

The upcoming movie, which had gone on floors a few years ago, had wrapped up its shoot only recently, because of Prithviraj’s other commitments as well as time taken for him to recover from a ligament injury that he had sustained on its sets during an action scene.

Vilayath Buddha release date revealed

A source from the film’s team confirmed to OTTplay that the makers have now locked the film’s release date. “Vilayath Buddha will be a 2025 Onam release,” says the source, hinting at an early September 2025 release.

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The movie, which also has Shammi Thilakan in a pivotal role, has Prithviraj essaying the character of a sandalwood smuggler named Double Mohanan. The film, set in Marayoor, follows Mohanan and his teacher Bhaskaran as the former tries to cut down a prized sandalwood tree and the ensuing battles between the duo.

Prithviraj Sukumaran to begin shooting Nobody next

Meanwhile, Prithviraj is all set to begin the shoot of Rorschach director Nisam Basheer’s Nobody next. The film, which is also co-produced by the actor, will begin the shoot in Kochi from April 9.

Music director Harshavardhan Rameshwar, who had composed for Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh and Animal, has been roped in to be part of the film.

Also read: L2 Empuraan movie review: Prithviraj Sukumaran elevates the stakes with an ambitious but less nuanced follow-up to Lucifer

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