Karan Johar debuts in Malayalam cinema with Odiyan. Filmmaker announces new film with Prithviraj Sukumaran and Majnu Warrier

Karan Johar has taken a creative step forward in his filmmaking journey. The filmmaker has ventured into Malayalam cinema for the first time with his upcoming movie Odiyan: The Age of Illusion. The film, directed by Rahul Sadasivan, stars Prithviraj Sukumaran and Majnu Warrier in the lead. Odiyan is collaboratively produced under the banners of KJo’s Dharma Productions and Prithviraj’s Prithviraj Productions. Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Supriya Menon are also a part of the production team. On Tuesday, June 16, Karan announced the project by sharing Odiyan’s first-look poster on his Instagram handle along with a heartfelt caption.

Karan Johar unveils Odiyan’s poster

Odiyan’s poster displays a rather eerie snapshot featuring the skeletal remains of a horned-creature curled up and twisted creepily. An intricately designed baroque-style oval frame circles the mysterious entity.


In his caption, Karan Johar revealed that he was taking his ‘first step into the world of Malayalam cinema’ as a producer with Odiyan. ‘I am proud to announce that we have the best partners to do it with,’ he noted. Addressing Prithviraj, the filmmaker shared that both of them have come a ‘ long way with multiple collaborations behind’. He even expressed hope of joining hands with the Malayalam actor for future projects.

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Odiyan’s cast and film theme

Karan Johar also heaped praise on the ‘supremely talented’ Rahul Sadasivan, lauding the director’s storytelling prowess in bringing alive eerie narratives, rooted in folklore, to the big screens. For the unversed, Rahul is credited with mythological movies and shows, including Bhoothakaalam, Bramayugam, and Diés Irae. KJo ended his note by acknowledging Manju Warrier’s ‘exception’ contribution to Odiyan. The film’s release date is yet to be announced.

According to a report by news agency IANS, Odiyan is set against the backdrop of 19th-century Kerala. The film revolves around an ominous shape-shifter that finds a mention in Kerala folklore and legend. As its wrath spreads inside a powerful matriarchal household, it sets off a battle between truth and illusion, blurring the lines of myth, truth, menace and psychological weight.

Karan Johar speaks about debut Malayalam production

Speaking about Odiyan, Karan Johar admitted that he has long been fond of Malayalam cinema and always wanted to be a part of that world, reported FirstPost. He confessed to being in awe of the filmmaker’s ‘craft and courage’ of taking audiences on a never-before-seen ride with their powerful themes.

So when Odiyan’s script was unravelled to him, Karan Johar felt that it was the right moment to delve into the project, especially with Rahul Sadasivan’s unique vision and Prithviraj Sukumaran helming the movie. ‘It is the kind of film that deserves the biggest possible canvas,’ he said. Karan’s last production venture was Chand Mera Dil, starring Ananya Panday and Lakshya.