Sons of Shaji Kailas and Renji Panicker come together in campus drama ‘Aaghosham’

Shaji Kailas and Renji Panicker form one of the most iconic partnerships in Malayalam cinema. Their collaboration, which began with the film Thalasthanam, went on to produce a series of blockbusters, including Sthalathe Pradhana Payyans, Ekalavyan, Commissioner, Mafia, The King, and King & Commissioner.

Carrying forward this cinematic legacy, Renji Panicker's son, Nithin Renji Panicker, followed in his father’s footsteps to become a screenwriter and director. He made his directorial debut with Kasaba, and later helmed Kaval and a web series. He also appeared as an actor in the film Namukku Kodathiyil Kaanam.

Meanwhile, Shaji Kailas’s younger son, Rubin Shaji Kailas, made his acting debut in the film Gangs of Sukumarakuruppu. Now, Rubin returns to the screen with Aaghosham, directed by Amal K Joby. Interestingly, he shares the screen with Renji Panicker’s other son, Nikhil Renji Panicker, who entered the acting scene with the film Teacher, directed by Vivek.

Nithin and Nikhil are twin brothers, and it was by chance that Rubin and Nikhil came together in the same film. Set against a campus backdrop, Aaghosham features both actors as student leaders. Rubin plays Jude, while Nikhil portrays Justin Matthews — leaders of two dominant rival groups on campus.

Adding further weight to the cast, Renji Panicker himself appears in a pivotal role. The ensemble cast also includes Narain, Vijayaraghavan, Johny Antony, Jays George, Aju Varghese, Dr Rony Raj, Bobby Kurian, Divyadarshan, Shaju Sreedhar, Maqbool Salman, Sreekanth Murali, Faisal Mohammed, Adv. Joy K. John, Lissy K. Fernandez, Titus John, and Anjali Jose.

The film is produced under the banner of CN Global Movies by Dr Listy K. Fernandez, Dr Prince Prosy (Austria), Dr Devasya Kurian (Bengaluru), Jessy Mathew (Dubai), Lighthouse Media (USA), Jordimon Thomas (UK), Baiju S.R. (Bengaluru), and team members.

Filming is currently taking place in and around Palakkad.

Crew Highlights:

Music: Stephen Devassy, Gautham Vincent

Cinematography: Rojo Thomas

Editing: Don Max

Art Direction: Rajesh K. Surya

Makeup: Maaloos K.P.

Costume Design: Babisha K. Rajendran

Stills: Jaison Photoland

Chief Associate Director: Amal Dev K.R.

Project Designer: Titus John

Production Executives: Pranav Mohan, Antony Kuttampuzha

Production Controller: Nandu Pothuval

PRO: Vazhoor Jose