Dharma Productions, filmmaker Karan Johar's banner, is making its debut in Malayalam cinema with the upcoming film 'Odiyan: The Age of Illusion', starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Manju Warrier. The announcement was made on Tuesday, 16 June, with Johar sharing the film's first look on Instagram — a round frame with intricate baroque detailing and skeletal remains of a small horned creature.

What the Film Is About

'Odiyan: The Age of Illusion' is an epic rooted in the folklore and cultural mythology of 19th-century Kerala. The story centres on a terrifying shape-shifter from Kerala legend whose fury descends upon a powerful matriarchal household, igniting a battle between truth and illusion — one that crackles with myth, menace, and psychological weight.

The film is directed by Rahul Sadasivan, known for his atmospheric, folklore-driven storytelling. It is jointly produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Supriya Menon, bringing together Dharma Productions and Prithviraj Productions.

What the Makers Said

Johar, in his Instagram post, expressed pride in the collaboration: 'We at Dharma Movies are taking our first step into the world of Malayalam cinema and I am proud to announce that we have the best partners to do it with. Prithviraj, we've come such a long way with multiple collaborations behind us and hopefully many more ahead of us too.'

He added: 'The craft, the courage, the way its filmmakers trust their audiences — it is something I have watched with genuine awe. Odiyan: The Age of Illusion is the kind of film that deserves the biggest possible canvas, and I am glad we get to give it just that.'

Prithviraj Sukumaran said in a statement: 'The Odiyan is not just a myth, it is a piece of Kerala's identity, a legend that has travelled through generations and continues to hold a powerful place in our cultural consciousness. Bringing this story to the screen in a way that honours its mythology and the culture it comes from, has been a pursuit very close to my heart.'

Director's Vision

Director Rahul Sadasivan described folklore as 'a powerful source of fear because it exists in the space between memory, belief, and imagination.' He said the film represents an opportunity to tell a story on a much larger canvas while staying true to themes of atmosphere, mystery, and emotion that have defined his previous work.

'After the love and recognition audiences gave my previous films, this project represents an opportunity to tell a story on a much larger canvas while staying true to the themes that have always interested me,' Sadasivan said.

Industry Significance

Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Dharma Productions, described the foray as 'a natural and exciting expansion,' citing Malayalam cinema's talent pool, audience base, and storytelling strength. Supriya Menon, Director of Prithviraj Productions, welcomed Dharma into what she called 'the disruptive world of Malayalam cinema.'

Notably, this marks a significant cross-industry convergence — one of Bollywood's most prominent banners partnering with a leading Malayalam production house. Malayalam cinema has drawn pan-India and global attention in recent years, making it an increasingly attractive destination for major production investments. A release date for 'Odiyan: The Age of Illusion' is yet to be announced.