Dhanush-Mammootty film with Rajkumar Periasamy titled 'Om', out Oct 16
Synopsis
The Dhanush-Mammootty pan-India collaboration finally has a name — 'Om' — and a release date of 16 October 2025. Built around the dangerous world of red sanders smuggling, the film's 'Chapter 1' tagline signals franchise ambitions, and Wunderbar Films is calling it one of the biggest-budget films of Dhanush's career.
Key Takeaways
Dhanush and Mammootty 's film with director Rajkumar Periasamy is officially titled 'Om' .
The film releases in cinemas on 16 October 2025 .
The title carries a 'Chapter 1' tagline, hinting at a planned franchise.
Dhanush plays a woodcutter; the story centres on red sanders smuggling and illegal harvesting.
Female leads are Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela ; music is by Sai Abhyankkar .
Produced jointly by Wunderbar Films and R Take Studios ; described as one of the biggest-budget films of Dhanush's career.
Dhanush and Mammootty's much-anticipated collaboration with director Rajkumar Periasamy has officially been titled 'Om', with the makers confirming a theatrical release on 16 October 2025. The announcement was made on Thursday, 18 June, alongside the launch of a title teaser that offered the first real glimpse into the film's world.
What the Title Teaser Reveals
The teaser establishes the film's setting around the high-stakes world of red sanders smuggling in South India. Dhanush plays a woodcutter, and the footage depicts police personnel rounding up workers caught illegally harvesting red sanders — only for Dhanush's character to step in and rescue those held at gunpoint. The raw, grounded premise signals a return to the gritty action territory that built Dhanush's mass following.
Notably, the title carries the tagline 'Chapter 1', strongly suggesting the makers are already envisioning a franchise. If the film performs as expected, a sequel appears to be part of the long-term plan.
Scale and Expectations
Wunderbar Films head Sreyas, speaking at the title teaser launch event, described 'Om' as one of the biggest-budget productions of Dhanush's career. He added that the film is designed to bring back the 'mass vintage Dhanush' that fans have been waiting for — a pointed acknowledgement of audience appetite for the kind of raw, high-energy performances that defined the actor's earlier work.
The project, previously referred to by its working title D55, had already generated considerable buzz among fans and film enthusiasts well before any official details were confirmed.
Full Cast and Crew
The film features Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela as the female leads, with music composed by Sai Abhyankkar. Cinematography is handled by Ezhil Arasu, editing by Kalaivanan R, and costumes by Kavya Sriram. The film is jointly produced by Wunderbar Films and R Take Studios, the latter having announced its association with the project just days before the title reveal.
Mammootty's Entry and the Excitement Around It
Mammootty's casting had earlier triggered a wave of enthusiasm across both Tamil and Malayalam film industries. When the Malayalam superstar joined the project, Wunderbar Films had said: 'When the Big M chooses a story, it becomes history. Super excited to welcome Megastar @mammukka onboard #D55! We are honoured! Thank you #Mammootty sir.'
Director Rajkumar Periasamy had also personally welcomed Mammootty on X, writing: 'Dear @mammukka, the day you said 'Yes' I knew the almighty has blessed #D55 with Divinity. I'm honoured and ecstatic to welcome you, our very own #Mammootty sir on board for the film! Can't wait to see your magic unfold along with @dhanushkraja sir. Here's to my #OyeMammootty times for life.'
Mammootty responded warmly, writing: 'Elated and excited to be a part of this journey with @dhanushkraja and @Rajkumar_KP.'
With an October release locked in and a franchise-ready title structure in place, 'Om' is shaping up as one of the most closely watched South Indian releases of 2025.
Point of View
Not pre-announced. The red sanders premise is fertile ground: it taps into a real, legally fraught trade in the Seshachalam forests, and Rajkumar Periasamy's track record with socially rooted action — as seen in 'Pariyerum Perumal' and 'Karnan' (as writer) — lends credibility. But the franchise framing could backfire if the first chapter does not deliver a self-contained, satisfying narrative. The Dhanush-Mammootty pairing is genuinely rare cross-industry casting; how their screen dynamic is handled will be the film's defining talking point.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the title of the Dhanush and Mammootty film directed by Rajkumar Periasamy?
The film is officially titled 'Om' with the subtitle 'Chapter 1'. The title was announced on 18 June 2025 alongside a teaser that revealed the film's red sanders smuggling backdrop.
When does 'Om' release in cinemas?
The makers have confirmed a theatrical release on 16 October 2025. No OTT or streaming details have been announced yet.
What is the story of 'Om' about?
'Om' revolves around the world of red sanders — a protected tree species whose illegal harvesting is a major criminal issue in parts of South India. Dhanush plays a woodcutter who comes to the rescue of workers held at gunpoint by police.
Who are the other cast and crew members of 'Om'?
The film stars Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela as the female leads. Music is composed by Sai Abhyankkar, cinematography by Ezhil Arasu, editing by Kalaivanan R, and costumes by Kavya Sriram. It is produced by Wunderbar Films and R Take Studios.
Does 'Om' hint at a sequel or franchise?
Yes. The film's full title is 'Om — Chapter 1', which strongly indicates the makers are planning a multi-part franchise. No details about a sequel have been officially confirmed beyond the tagline.
