Malayalam superstar Tovino Thomas is gearing up for a grand return to the big screen with his much-anticipated period drama Pallichattambi, which is set for a worldwide theatrical release on April 9, 2026. The announcement was made by the makers on Tuesday with the unveiling of the film’s first-look motion poster, instantly generating buzz across social media. Mounted as a big-budget production, Pallichattambi will release across multiple languages, including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, underlining its ambitious pan-Indian vision.
Tovino Thomas, who has steadily emerged as one of the most bankable and versatile actors in Malayalam cinema, enjoys a strong fan base beyond the regional industry. He is best known nationally and internationally for Minnal Murali, the critically acclaimed superhero film that streamed globally and introduced him to a wider audience. With Pallichattambi, Thomas appears poised to further expand his theatrical footprint across India, stepping into a role that promises scale, intensity, and a striking transformation.
Directed by Dijo Jose Antony, Pallichattambi is set in the 1950s and 1960s, a period marked by social change, political undercurrents, and deeply rooted cultural traditions. The film’s narrative has been scripted by S Suresh Babu, who brings a layered dramatic storyline to life against this historically rich backdrop. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the first-look motion poster hints at a powerful and immersive world, with Thomas appearing in a rugged and intense new avatar that signals a departure from his recent roles.
Produced jointly by World Wide Films and C Qube Bros Entertainments, Pallichattambi marks a significant collaboration between major production houses aiming to deliver a visually rich and emotionally resonant cinematic experience. The makers have emphasized authenticity and scale, with the period setting recreated through meticulous attention to detail in art direction, costumes, and locations. The film seeks to capture the cultural ethos of mid-20th century Kerala while presenting a story that resonates with contemporary audiences.
The film features Kayadu Lohar as the female lead, pairing her opposite Tovino Thomas in what is expected to be a compelling on-screen dynamic. Supporting them is a strong ensemble cast that includes seasoned actors such as Vijayaraghavan, Sudheer Karamana, Baburaj, Vinod Kedamangalam, and Prashanth Alexander, among others. Each of these performers brings depth and credibility to the narrative, strengthening the film’s dramatic core.
On the technical front, Pallichattambi boasts an accomplished crew. Cinematography is handled by Tijo Tomy, whose lens is expected to play a crucial role in transporting audiences back in time through evocative visuals and carefully composed frames. Acclaimed composer Jakes Bejoy is responsible for the film’s music and background score, adding emotional weight and period-appropriate texture to the storytelling. Editing duties are helmed by Sreejith Sarang, ensuring a tight and engaging narrative flow.
The production design, a vital component of any period film, is overseen by Dileep Nath, who is tasked with recreating the visual and architectural nuances of the 1950s and 60s. Costume design is led by Manjusha Radhakrishnan, whose work is expected to reflect the era’s sartorial sensibilities, while makeup designer Rasheed Ahammed completes the transformation of the characters. Associate producers Meghasyam and Thanzeer support the production, ensuring the film’s large-scale execution runs smoothly.
Further strengthening the creative team, Renit Raj and Kiran Raphael serve as chief associate directors, contributing to the film’s direction and execution. Sound design is handled by Sync Cinema, promising an immersive auditory experience, while Yellowtooths has been credited with poster designs, including the visually striking first-look motion poster that introduced the film to audiences.
The announcement of Pallichattambi’s April 2026 release has already sparked excitement among fans and industry observers alike. The combination of Tovino Thomas in a period role, a pan-Indian release strategy, and a strong technical and creative lineup has positioned the film as one of the most awaited projects of the year. As anticipation builds, Pallichattambi looks set to be a landmark release in Tovino Thomas’ career, blending historical storytelling with cinematic scale and cross-regional appeal.
