Prithviraj Sukumaran has generated excitement among fans by unveiling a new poster for his upcoming Malayalam action drama, Vilaayath Budha, on X. The poster release precedes the official trailer, which is scheduled to drop today at 6:30 PM, further amplifying the anticipation surrounding the film. Prithviraj also confirmed that Vilaayath Budha will hit theaters on November 21, 2025, marking it as one of the year's most significant Malayalam releases.
The newly released poster showcases a rugged and intense Prithviraj Sukumaran in weathered attire, standing next to an old jeep. The rustic backdrop and his brooding expression hint at the raw action-drama tone of the film, which aligns with the actor's recent powerful, character-driven roles. Fans of his intense performances, such as in Aadujeevitham, will find the mood of the poster familiar and promising.
Vilaayath Budha, directed by debutant Jayan Nambiar, is based on the acclaimed novel by G. R. Indugopan. The story revolves around the complex relationship between Bhaskaran Master and Double Mohanan, a sandalwood smuggler. Their rivalry over a precious sandalwood tree, planted years earlier by the master, ignites a gripping narrative exploring themes of power, betrayal, and vengeance. Prithviraj Sukumaran stars as Double Mohanan, while Shammi Thilakan plays Bhaskaran Master. The cast also includes Priyamvada Krishnan, Anu Mohan, Rajashree, and Teejay Arunasalam.
The journey of adapting the novel for the screen began in 2020 under the direction of Sachy. Following his passing, the project was taken over by his associate, Jayan Nambiar, who has continued Sachy's vision. The film boasts a strong technical team, with music by Jakes Bejoy, cinematography by Arvind S. Kashyap, and editing by Sreejith Sarang.
The film was launched in 2020 but faced delays, with production finally commencing in October 2022. One major obstacle arose when Prithviraj sustained a serious injury on set in Marayoor, requiring surgery and a three-month recovery.
The recently released teaser pays tribute to the film Pushpa, which also revolves around sandalwood smuggling. In the teaser, when a police officer tells Prithviraj's character not to "pull a Pushpa," Sukumaran replies, "I am local, not international like him".
With the trailer scheduled for release today and the film's theatrical debut set for November 21, 2025, Vilaayath Budha is poised to be one of Malayalam cinema's most anticipated releases of the year. The film is produced by Sandip Senan under the Urvashi Theatres banner. The screenplay is co-written by G.R. Indugopan and Rajesh Pinnadan. The movie explores themes of revenge, rivalry, and love.
