The maestro of comedy, Jagathy Sreekumar, is making his much-awaited return to the screen! On the occasion of his birthday, director Arun Chandu shared a special message on Instagram, celebrating the actor’s comeback in his upcoming film Vala. Jagathy will be portraying the role of Professor Ambili, aka Uncle Lunar, in this highly anticipated project.

As the result of a vehicle accident in March 2012, Jagathy was hospitalized for over a year and has still not completely recovered from the injuries sustained. In 2022, Jagathy returned to the big screen with the CBI 5: The Brain directed by K. Madhu.

Director Arun Chandu, known for his innovative approach to filmmaking, first made waves in Malayalam cinema with the sci-fi mockumentary Gaganachari. He is now back with Vala, a unique cinematic venture that introduces a world filled with zombies, marking a significant milestone for Malayalam cinema.

The film’s first-look poster, showcasing striking visuals of red, muscle-like structures erupting from the earth, has already sparked curiosity. Adding to the buzz, an announcement video featuring Gokul Suresh and Aju Varghese was released recently. The video teases a mix of humour and horror, as zombies enter the Malayalam film landscape, building excitement among fans.

The buzz surrounding Vala has led to speculation among audiences, with many wondering whether it is a continuation of the Gaganachari storyline or the start of an entirely new cinematic universe. The film’s intriguing poster, which asks, “Are we living in a simulation? The apocalypse is here. The dead are rising, and survival is the only option,” has set social media abuzz with discussions and analyses.

For those unfamiliar, zombies in the science fiction genre are typically beings that continue to exist after death, often infecting others they encounter. While Hollywood and international cinema have explored the zombie genre extensively, Malayalam cinema has seen limited forays into it. Vala is poised to become a groundbreaking addition to this genre in Indian cinema and is set to hit theatres in 2025.

The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Gokul Suresh, Aju Varghese, and familiar faces from Gaganachari, such as Anarkali Marakkar, K.B. Ganesh Kumar, John Kaippallil, and Arjun Nandakumar. Notably, Vala will mark the first time Gokul Suresh and Madhav Suresh, the sons of actor Suresh Gopi, will share the screen together. Madhav Suresh and Bhagath Manuel also play key roles in the film.