Kattalan gets 'A' certificate, releases worldwide on May 28
Synopsis
The makers of 'Kattalan' have confirmed a 28 May 2026 worldwide release after the CBFC cleared the pan-Indian Malayalam thriller with an 'A' certificate. With producer Shareef Muhammed's track record on 'Marco', a Pushpa-fame supporting cast, and a last-minute music director switch to Ravi Basrur, this is shaping up as one of the most watched Malayalam releases of the year.
Key Takeaways
Kattalan has been cleared by the CBFC with an 'A' certificate for a worldwide release on 28 May 2026 .
Lead actor Antony Varghese (Pepe) plays a character sharing his real name in the film.
Music composer switched from Ajaneesh Loknath to Ravi Basrur during production.
The cast includes Dushara Vijayan , Sunil , Kabir Duhan Singh , Parth Tiwarii , and Raj Tirandasu of Pushpa fame.
Producer Shareef Muhammed of Cubes Entertainments is behind the project, following the success of 'Marco' .
The screenplay is a debut work by writers Paul George , Joby Varghese , and Jero Jacob .
Director Paul George's pan-Indian Malayalam action thriller 'Kattalan' has been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for release with an 'A' certificate, with the film set for a worldwide theatrical release on 28 May 2026. The certification announcement was made by production house Cubes Entertainments via its official Instagram handle.
The Cast and Their Characters
Lead actor Antony Varghese — widely known by his screen name Pepe, a moniker he earned after playing Vincent Pepe in 'Angamaly Diaries' — plays a character named Antony Varghese in the film, a detail the makers disclosed only days before the certification announcement. Telugu actor Sunil plays a character called Maari, while Tamil actress Dushara Vijayan essays a character named Lucy.
Kabir Duhan Singh plays Eddy, and Parth Tiwarii portrays a character called Roby. Notably, Raj Tirandasu — who drew widespread attention for his performance in the pan-Indian blockbuster Pushpa — appears as Maari 95. The ensemble further includes Rajisha Vijayan, Rapper Baby Jean, and veteran Malayalam actors Jagadeesh and Siddique in pivotal roles.
Music, Crew, and Production Details
The film's music is composed by Ravi Basrur, whose association with the project came as a surprise — the production house had initially announced Ajaneesh Loknath, the composer behind 'Kantara 2', as the music director before switching to Basrur. The story has been written by Paul George, Joby Varghese, and Jero Jacob, marking the writing debut of all three. Cinematography is handled by Renadive, editing by Shameer Muhammed, and costumes by Dhanya Balakrishnan.
The Marco Connection and Producer's Ambition
Producer Shareef Muhammed of Cubes Entertainments — best known for backing the blockbuster 'Marco' — is positioning 'Kattalan' as his next high-stakes pan-Indian venture. Filming wrapped in February 2026, after an earlier release date of 14 May 2026 was quietly dropped. The production house previously drew goodwill from the film community when it publicly honoured the stuntmen on the project, releasing footage of a four-wheeler stunt sequence gone awry during filming and saluting the crew's courage.
What to Expect
Sources describe the narrative as a gritty, high-stakes thriller blending themes of power, betrayal, and deadly missions. With the 'A' certificate now confirmed and the worldwide release date locked at 28 May 2026, anticipation among fans of Malayalam and pan-Indian cinema is running high. The film is being positioned as a direct follow-up to the commercial momentum generated by the 'Marco' universe.
Point of View
Which is rarely a smooth process. Whether that shift reflects creative refinement or behind-the-scenes friction remains unclear. What is clear is that Cubes Entertainments is betting heavily on the 'Marco' goodwill to carry 'Kattalan' into a competitive May release window — a window that has historically been unforgiving for pan-Indian Malayalam films without a proven franchise hook. The 'A' certificate narrows the walk-in audience, which will test how effectively the makers convert online buzz into box-office numbers.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Kattalan releasing worldwide?
'Kattalan' is set for a worldwide theatrical release on 28 May 2026. The CBFC has cleared the film with an 'A' certificate ahead of the release.
Who is the lead actor in Kattalan?
The lead is actor Antony Varghese, popularly known as Pepe — a nickname he acquired after playing Vincent Pepe in 'Angamaly Diaries'. In 'Kattalan', he plays a character named Antony Varghese, his real name.
Who is the music director of Kattalan?
Ravi Basrur is the music director of 'Kattalan'. The production house had initially announced Ajaneesh Loknath, known for 'Kantara 2', before switching to Basrur.
Who is producing Kattalan?
'Kattalan' is produced by Shareef Muhammed under the banner Cubes Entertainments, the same production house behind the blockbuster 'Marco'. It is directed by Paul George.
What is the CBFC certificate for Kattalan?
The Central Board of Film Certification has granted 'Kattalan' an 'A' certificate, meaning the film is cleared for adult audiences only. The certification was confirmed by Cubes Entertainments on its official Instagram handle.
