Benz fourth schedule begins: Nivin Pauly, Raghava Lawrence film back on set
Synopsis
Benz, the most-watched Tamil production of the season for one reason above all others — Nivin Pauly playing a gold-toothed, hammer-wielding villain for the first time — has entered its fourth schedule. With Raghava Lawrence leading and Lokesh Kanakaraj producing, the film is inching toward a wrap after a production stretch that began well over a year ago.
Key Takeaways
Benz has commenced its fourth schedule of filming, announced by Passion Studios on 3 October 2026 .
Nivin Pauly plays the antagonist Walter — his first-ever villain role — as well as a second, contrasting character in the film.
Raghava Lawrence leads the film, directed and written by Bakkiyaraj Kannan .
The film is produced by Lokesh Kanakaraj , Sudhan Sundaram , and Jagadish Palanisamy ; music is by Sai Abhyankkar .
Nivin Pauly had hinted at the third schedule wrap in November last year ; Lokesh Kanakaraj had confirmed the second schedule completion in July last year .
A release date for Benz is yet to be officially announced.
The production of director Bakkiyaraj Kannan's action thriller Benz has entered its fourth schedule of filming, the makers announced on Saturday, 3 October 2026. The update was shared by production house Passion Studios on its official social media channels, along with behind-the-scenes photographs from the set, confirming that the long-awaited project is firmly back in production.
What We Know About the Fourth Schedule
Passion Studios posted, 'Here's the update you've been waiting on. #Benz Fourth Schedule Begins,' along with a set of BTS images that have since generated fresh buzz among fans. The film stars Raghava Lawrence in the lead role, with Nivin Pauly playing a double role — one of which marks his first-ever turn as a villain on screen.
Nivin Pauly's Villain Debut as Walter
Arguably the biggest talking point surrounding Benz is Nivin Pauly stepping into antagonist territory for the first time in his career. His character, named Walter, was introduced through a character promo that has already gone viral. The promo opens with sounds suggesting a brutal assault inside a room, before Pauly's character walks out — body adorned in gold ornaments and carrying a blood-stained metal hammer — flashing a smile to reveal golden teeth.
In the promo, Walter asks another character (also played by Nivin Pauly, depicting a naive, uneducated individual) the name of a person, who replies 'Bens' before correcting himself to say 'Benz'. Walter then delivers a chilling line: 'When a head inside a helmet itself is cut like the head of a goat, who…' before laughing suggestively. He signs off with: 'A dirty mind, a beautiful heart — deadly combination. Love you Walter!'
Introducing the character on X (formerly Twitter), director Bakkiyaraj Kannan wrote: 'Soft boy? That was yesterday. Nivin Pauly 2.0 — our certified Baddie, Breaking hearts and Breaking rules & Breaking bad. Meet #Walter, @nivinofficial.'
Production Timeline So Far
The film's journey to its fourth schedule has been a gradual one. Lokesh Kanakaraj, one of the film's producers, confirmed completion of the second schedule in July last year, expressing hope that the project would wrap within three to four months thereafter. In a video interview, Kanakaraj said: 'Our next film is Benz. They have finished the second schedule if I am not wrong. Two schedules are done. Philo is the editor. I will check with him as to how the film is looking. He will give me some updates. Probably, they will finish it in another three or four months. We have other films in the pipeline.'
Subsequently, Nivin Pauly hinted at the completion of the third schedule in November last year, posting a series of on-set photographs with the caption: 'Darkness Loading......⏳,' tagging the cast and crew with the hashtags #ScheduleWrap #BenzMovie #Walter.
Crew and Technical Details
Written and directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan, Benz features music by young composer Sai Abhyankkar, cinematography by Goutham George, and editing by Philomin Raj. Art direction is handled by Jacki, while Pradeep Boopathi serves as creative producer. The film is being produced by Lokesh Kanakaraj, Sudhan Sundaram, and Jagadish Palanisamy under Passion Studios, among other production banners.
With the fourth schedule now underway, anticipation is high for an official release date announcement — which the makers are yet to confirm.
Point of View
Third schedule, now a fourth — suggests a film that has taken longer than its producers initially projected, with Lokesh Kanakaraj having expressed hope of a wrap 'in three to four months' over a year ago. That timeline has clearly stretched. What keeps audience interest alive is the unconventional casting gamble at the centre of the film: Nivin Pauly, one of Malayalam cinema's most reliably affable screen presences, reinventing himself as a gold-toothed, hammer-carrying villain for a Tamil action thriller. If the character promo's viral traction is any guide, the creative risk is paying off in buzz — even before a single frame has released.
NationPress
3 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest update on the Benz film?
The makers of Benz announced on 3 October 2026 that the film's fourth schedule of filming has begun. Production house Passion Studios confirmed the news on social media and shared behind-the-scenes photographs from the set.
Who stars in the Tamil film Benz?
Benz features Raghava Lawrence in the lead role and Nivin Pauly in a double role — one of which is the antagonist, named Walter. The film is directed and written by Bakkiyaraj Kannan.
Is this Nivin Pauly's first villain role?
Yes, Benz marks the first time Nivin Pauly is playing an antagonist on screen. His character, Walter, was introduced through a widely shared character promo that shows him with gold ornaments, golden teeth, and a blood-stained metal hammer.
Who is producing the film Benz?
Benz is produced by Lokesh Kanakaraj, Sudhan Sundaram, and Jagadish Palanisamy, with Passion Studios as one of the production houses. Lokesh Kanakaraj, also a celebrated director, had previously confirmed that the second schedule was completed in July last year.
When will Benz release?
An official release date for Benz has not yet been announced by the makers. With the fourth schedule now underway, a formal announcement is expected once production wraps.
