Blab Entertainment
Dharma Productions Debuts in Malayalam Cinema with Odiyan: The Age of Illusion
On June 16, 2026, the curtains opened for a new chapter in Karan Johar’s storied career as he unveiled Dharma Productions’ first foray into Malayalam cinema. The banner announced the upcoming feature Odiyan: The Age of Illusion, a period tale that will be directed by Rahul Sadasivan and star Prithviraj Sukumaran alongside veteran actress Manju Warrier. Dharma plans a pan‑Indian release that will bring the film to Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil audiences.
An eye‑catching poster accompanied the announcement, listing the principal cast and crew and revealing that Dharma will co‑produce the film with Prithviraj Productions. In an Instagram post, Johar wrote, “We at @dharmamovies are taking our first step into the world of Malayalam cinema, and I am proud to announce that we have the best partners to do it with. Prithviraj, we’ve come such a long way with multiple collaborations behind us and hopefully many more ahead of us too.” The message underscored the long‑standing professional relationship between the two filmmakers.
Odiyan transports viewers to 19th‑century Kerala, where a shape‑shifter from local folklore unleashes fury on a powerful matriarchal household. The narrative, described as a clash between truth and illusion, draws from Kerala’s rich oral traditions. The story had already been explored in the 2018 film Odiyan starring Mohanlal, which received mixed reviews and grossed approximately ₹54 crore worldwide.
Rahul Sadasivan, whose previous work includes horror titles such as Bhoothakalam, Bramayugam, and Dies Irae, is expected to bring his signature eerie storytelling to the new project.
Prithviraj, who will also produce the film through Prithviraj Productions, said, “The Odiyan is not just a myth, it is a piece of Kerala’s identity, a legend that has travelled through generations and continues to hold a powerful place in our cultural consciousness.” Manju Warrier is cast as the matriarchal figure, adding gravitas to the ensemble.
This collaboration marks Dharma Productions’ debut in Malayalam filmmaking, expanding the banner’s portfolio beyond Hindi cinema. By partnering with Prithviraj Productions and adopting a pan‑Indian release strategy, the project signals an intent to reach audiences across linguistic markets. While the release date remains undisclosed, industry observers note that the venture aligns with a growing trend of cross‑regional collaborations in Indian cinema.
The announcement has already sparked interest among Malayalam‑film fans and industry insiders. With high‑profile talent and a planned multilingual rollout, Odiyan: The Age of Illusion is poised to become a notable addition to the 2026 Malayalam film slate.
An eye‑catching poster accompanied the announcement, listing the principal cast and crew and revealing that Dharma will co‑produce the film with Prithviraj Productions. In an Instagram post, Johar wrote, “We at @dharmamovies are taking our first step into the world of Malayalam cinema, and I am proud to announce that we have the best partners to do it with. Prithviraj, we’ve come such a long way with multiple collaborations behind us and hopefully many more ahead of us too.” The message underscored the long‑standing professional relationship between the two filmmakers.
Odiyan transports viewers to 19th‑century Kerala, where a shape‑shifter from local folklore unleashes fury on a powerful matriarchal household. The narrative, described as a clash between truth and illusion, draws from Kerala’s rich oral traditions. The story had already been explored in the 2018 film Odiyan starring Mohanlal, which received mixed reviews and grossed approximately ₹54 crore worldwide.
Rahul Sadasivan, whose previous work includes horror titles such as Bhoothakalam, Bramayugam, and Dies Irae, is expected to bring his signature eerie storytelling to the new project.
Prithviraj, who will also produce the film through Prithviraj Productions, said, “The Odiyan is not just a myth, it is a piece of Kerala’s identity, a legend that has travelled through generations and continues to hold a powerful place in our cultural consciousness.” Manju Warrier is cast as the matriarchal figure, adding gravitas to the ensemble.
This collaboration marks Dharma Productions’ debut in Malayalam filmmaking, expanding the banner’s portfolio beyond Hindi cinema. By partnering with Prithviraj Productions and adopting a pan‑Indian release strategy, the project signals an intent to reach audiences across linguistic markets. While the release date remains undisclosed, industry observers note that the venture aligns with a growing trend of cross‑regional collaborations in Indian cinema.
The announcement has already sparked interest among Malayalam‑film fans and industry insiders. With high‑profile talent and a planned multilingual rollout, Odiyan: The Age of Illusion is poised to become a notable addition to the 2026 Malayalam film slate.
