On Wednesday, Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran and the team of Vilaayath Buddha announced the release date. The film, which began rolling in 2022, was shot over multiple schedules in the last three years owing to the actor's other commitments — his directorial L2: Empuraan and an unforeseen injury while filming an action sequence in Vilaayath Buddha. It will finally hit theatres on November 21, 2025. Here are 5 things to know about the much-anticipated Malayalam drama.
What is 'Vilaayath Buddha' about?
Vilaayath Buddha is based on the novel by acclaimed Malayalam author G.R. Indugopan. The story is set in Kerala's Marayur. It revolves around a deep-seated conflict between a retired schoolteacher, Bhaskaran, and his former student, Double Mohanan, a smuggler, over a precious sandalwood tree planted by the former. With Vilaayath Buddha, Indugopan aims to tell a multi-layered tale exploring a multitude of themes. Indugopan and Rajesh Pinnadan penned the screen adaptation.
Who is in the cast of 'Vilaayath Buddha'?
Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Double Mohanan, while Shammi Thilakan has been cast as Bhaskaran Master. The latter character was originally supposed to be played by Kottayam Ramesh, Prithviraj's co-star in Ayyappanum Koshiyum. Priyamvada Krishnan (Thottappan, Narivetta) plays the female lead. Supporting cast members include Anu Mohan, Rajashree, and Teejay Arunasalam, among others.
Who is the director of 'Vilaayath Buddha'?
Jayan Nambiar, an associate of director Sachy (Anarkali, Ayyappanum Koshiyum), took over directing duties after his mentor passed away in 2020. The project was supposed to be Sachy's third directorial with Prithviraj, and fourth writing venture after Driving Licence. Nambiar has worked as a chief associate director on Anarkali, Ayyappanum Koshiyum, Prithviraj's directorial debut Lucifer, Dulquer Salmaan-starrer 100 Days of Love, and Lokah: Chapter 1 - Chandra-fame Dominic Arun's directorial debut, Tharangam.
Who is the cinematographer of 'Vilaayath Buddha'?
Arvind Kashyap has worked on several Kannada blockbusters, including Rishab Shetty-directed Kantara (2022) and Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025), and the actor's starring vehicle Bell Bottom. Arvind also shot the much-celebrated Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare, directed by Nithin Krishnamurthy, and handled the camera for the Rakshit Shetty-starrer 777 Charlie. Vilaayath Buddha marks Arvind Kashyap's Malayalam debut.
Who is the composer of 'Vilaayath Buddha'?
The music is composed by Jakes Bejoy. The film marks his seventh collaboration with Prithviraj after Ranam, Ayyappanum Koshiyum, Kuruthi, Bhramam, Kaduva, and Kaapa. Jakes recently delivered other chartbuster soundtracks, chiefly Mohanlal-starrer Thudarum, Tovino Thomas’ Narivetta, and Kalyani Priyadarshan's superhero blockbuster Lokah: Chapter 1 - Chandra.
