Nikhila Vimal’s next Malayalam release Pennu Case is officially headed to theatres on January 16, 2026. The makers announced the release date on Wednesday, giving audiences an early look at the film’s arrival during the New Year season. Positioned as a grounded drama with contemporary relevance, Pennu Case marks the first feature directorial outing of Febin Sidharth, who has also co-written the screenplay along with Reshmi Radhakrishnan.
A January Date Locked for Pennu Case
While details of the plot remain under wraps, the title and creative team hint at a story rooted in everyday realities, an approach that has increasingly found resonance with Malayalam audiences. With its January release locked well in advance, the film appears confident of carving out space amid a competitive release calendar.
Pennu Case is mounted as a collaborative production by Mukesh R Mehta, Umesh KR Bansal, Rajesh Krishna, and CV Sarathi. The film is produced under the banners of E4 Experiments, Zee Studios, and London Talkies, a combination that signals both scale and reach. Over the years, these banners have backed content driven projects, and Pennu Case seems to be continuing that trajectory.
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Cast, Crew, and Nikhila Vimal’s Busy Slate
Alongside Nikhila Vimal in the lead, Pennu Case features a diverse supporting cast that includes Aju Varghese, Hakim Shahjahan, Ramesh Pisharody, Irshad Ali, PP Kunhikrishnan, and astrologer Hari Pathanapuram. The writing team extends beyond the principal screenwriters, with Jyothish M, Sunu V, and Ganesh Malayath contributing to additional screenplay and dialogues, suggesting a layered narrative approach.
On the technical front, cinematography is handled by Shinoz, while Ankit Menon is on board as the music composer. Editing duties are entrusted to Shameer Muhammed, whose body of work has often shaped the rhythm of several acclaimed Malayalam films. Together, the technical crew brings a mix of experience and contemporary sensibilities to the project.
For Nikhila Vimal, Pennu Case adds another significant chapter to an already packed lineup. She was last seen in Get Set Baby, where she starred opposite Unni Mukundan. Beyond Malayalam cinema, the actor is also part of Arya’s upcoming Tamil Malayalam bilingual Ananthan Kaadu, scripted by Murali Gopy and directed by Jiyen Krishnakumar. The project has generated curiosity for its cross-industry collaboration and thematic ambition
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Earlier this month, Nikhila also commenced work on Dhoomakethu, which recently went on the floors. Directed by Sudhi Maddison of Neymar fame, the film features an ensemble cast that includes Sajin Gopu, Shine Tom Chacko, Sidharth Bharathan, and Ganapathi. With Pennu Case now dated for release, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the actor, marked by varied roles and strong creative partnerships.
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