Kattalan teaser drops: Antony Varghese Pepe leads ultra-violent Malayalam action film

Following the massive success of "Marco", celebrated as one of Malayalam cinema's most violent films, producer Shareef Muhammed presents "Kattalan", starring Antony Varghese Pepe, under the banner of Cubes Entertainments.

The film's spectacular teaser has now been released, packed with adrenaline-fueled, blood-soaked visuals, including a gripping sequence in which a wild tusker is overpowered. The teaser underscores that the film features action set-pieces of a scale and intensity never before witnessed in Malayalam cinema. Much like "Marco", "Kattalan" hints at uncompromising, heavy violence. Pepe, Kabir Singh and Hanan Shaah are introduced in strikingly stylish avatars throughout the teaser. "Kattalan" is set for a worldwide release on 14 May.

Directed by newcomer Paul George, the film's first-look poster, released earlier, had already created widespread anticipation with its promise of a shocking cinematic experience. Every update since then has been met with an enthusiastic response, and the newly released teaser firmly reinforces the film's ambition and scale. Notably, even the disclaimer preceding the teaser has captured attention. It clarifies that the action sequences involving the elephant have not been created using VFX, but were filmed with a real elephant. This alone signals the pioneering approach "Kattalan" brings to the industry.

Mounted on a grand scale with exceptional technical finesse and a high budget, "Kattalan" is expected to deliver one of the finest visual spectacles in Malayalam cinema. Dushara Vijayan, who has carved a niche for herself in Tamil cinema through several remarkable performances, plays the female lead.

Principal photography began in Thailand. The film commenced its shoot with the team led by internationally acclaimed stunt choreographer Kecha Khamphakdee, known for the iconic Thai martial arts film "Ong-Bak". Adding to the excitement, Pong, the elephant that rose to fame through "Ong-Bak", is also part of the cast. The film features a massive ensemble of actors from Malayalam as well as across India. The overseas distribution rights have been acquired by industry giants Phars Films.

A diverse cast joins the project, including pan-Indian actors Sunil and Kabir Duhan Singh, along with Jagadish, Siddique, Anson Paul, Raj Tirandasu, singer Hanan Shaah, Malayalam rapper Baby Jean, Shon Joy, Kill movie fame Parth Tiwari, Shibin S. Raghavan of Lokah movie fame, Hipster Pranav Raj, and Call Me Venom. The posters welcoming this ensemble received significant attention. "Kattalan" also marked its beginning with one of the most elaborate pooja ceremonies Kochi has witnessed.

Antony Varghese Pepe appears in the film under his real name, 'Antony Varghese'. Kecha Khamphakdee, whose acclaimed body of work includes "Ong-Bak 2", "Baahubali 2: The Conclusion", "Jawan", "Baaghi 2" and "Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1", returns to design high-octane action sequences for this large-scale pan-Indian action thriller. The music is composed by leading Kannada composer B. Ajaneesh Loknath, marking his next major outing after "Kantara Chapter 2".

The film's dialogues are penned by noted writer Unni R., known for "Big B", "Chappa Kurish", "Munnariyippu", and "Charlie". Editing is by acclaimed Malayalam editor Shameer Muhammed. Rising composer Nihal Sadiq is creating an electrifying promo song for "Kattalan". Title Graphics: Ident Labs. DoP: Renadive, Additional Cinematography: Chandru Selvaraj, Audiography: M.R. Rajakrishnan, Production Designer: Sunil Das, Creative Producer: Dipil Dev, Executive Producer: Jumana Shareef, Production Controller: Deepak Parameswaran, Sound Designer: Kishan, Costume: Dhanya Balakrishnan, Make-up: Ronex Xavier, Stills: Amal C. Sadar, Choreographer: Sherif, Stunt: Santosh Master, Lyrics: Suhail Koya, VFX: 3DS, Digital Marketing: Obscura Entertainments, PRO: Athira Diljith.