Balan: Tovino Thomas, who was last seen in a cameo in blockbuster hit Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra, would appear in a small yet significant role in Manjummel Boys director Chidambaram's upcoming film.

Last Updated: 10.44 AM, Nov 05, 2025
Malayalam director Chidambaram, who is winning much appreciation after his Manjummel Boys was declared the Best Film at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards, is busy with his next project titled Balan. The film has been making much buzz since its announcement as Aavesham director Jithu Madhavan will be penning the script for the Chidambaram directorial. In the latest update, actor Tovino Thomas will reportedly be joining Balan.
Malayalam star Tovino Thomas, who was last seen in a cameo in blockbuster hit Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra, would appear in a small yet significant role in Chidambaram’s upcoming film Balan, according to online trackers. But neither the actor nor his team have confirmed this.
Balan: The Boy went on floors in August this year, and is said to feature a host of new faces.
For Balan, Chidambaram has once again joined hands with the crew of his Manjummel Boys film, with Shyju Khalid as the cinematographer, Sushin Shyam as the composer and Ajayan Chalissery as the production designer. Notably, all three had won awards at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards, but Sushin Shyam was honoured for his music in Amal Neerad's Bougainvillaea. Tovino Thomas also secured a Special Jury Award for playing triple roles in Ajayante Randam Moshanam.
But if the reports are indeed true, Tovino’s slate for 2026 looks already exciting. Tovino has Pallichattambi, where he will be seen in the lead role along with popular actress Kayadu Lohar. Dijo Jose Antony is helming the upcoming movie with a period setting. Tovino will also co-star alongside Basil Joseph, and Vineeth Sreenivasan in Athiradi, which made a splash with its announcement teaser last month.

The ARM actor is also said to play an extended cameo in Amal Neera’s next, while there is also Thantha Vibe and a movie with Nazriya Nazim, helmed by Muhsin Parari.
Q. Which is the best film in Kerala in 2024?
A. Manjummel Boys won the Best Film in the 55th Kerala State Awards. Chidambaram's survival thriller is streaming on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium.
Q. Where to watch Aavesham on OTT?
A. Aavesham, starring Fahadh Faasil, is streaming on JioHotstar and Prime Video, available on OTTplay Premium under various subscription plans.
Q. Has Lokah been released on OTT?
A. Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra released on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium on October 31. Actress Kalyani Priyadarshan stars in the film, which is the highest-grossing Malayalam film ever.