Mammootty plays Karthikeyan in Dhanush's 'Om', out October 16
Synopsis
Mammootty's role in Dhanush's most expensive film yet has a name — Karthikeyan. Set against the high-stakes world of red sanders smuggling, 'Om' arrives on 16 October with a 'Chapter 1' tag, a career-best budget, and a mass-action promise that has fans of both superstars watching closely.
Key Takeaways
Mammootty plays a character named Karthikeyan in Dhanush's upcoming film 'Om' , directed by Rajkumar Periasamy .
The film is set for release on 16 October this year; 60 to 65 per cent of filming is complete. 'Om' is the highest-budgeted film in Dhanush's career, according to producer Sreyas of Wunderbar Films .
The story centres on red sanders smuggling; Dhanush plays a woodcutter who rescues labourers held at gunpoint.
The film carries a 'Chapter 1' tagline, though the director confirmed it is a self-contained story.
Cast includes Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela ; music by Sai Abhyankkar , produced by Wunderbar Films and R Take Studios .
Malayalam superstar Mammootty will be seen as a character named Karthikeyan in director Rajkumar Periasamy's upcoming Tamil action film 'Om', headlined by Dhanush. The revelation came at the film's title teaser launch event in Chennai on 19 June, where Periasamy also confirmed that 60 to 65 per cent of filming has been completed and that the film is set to release on 16 October this year.
What the Title Teaser Reveals
The teaser, released on Thursday, establishes the story around the world of red sanders smuggling. Dhanush plays a woodcutter at the centre of the narrative. Visuals show police personnel rounding up labourers caught illegally felling red sanders, and Dhanush's character stepping in to rescue the workers who are held at gunpoint. The teaser signals a raw, mass-action tone — a deliberate departure from recent outings.
The film carries the tagline 'Chapter 1', hinting at a potential franchise. However, Periasamy was quick to clarify that 'Om' is a self-contained story and will work as a complete film on its own, regardless of what follows.
Biggest Budget in Dhanush's Career
Sreyas, head of production house Wunderbar Films, disclosed at the launch event that 'Om' is the highest-budgeted film in Dhanush's career to date. He added that the film is designed to bring back the 'mass vintage Dhanush' that audiences have been waiting to see — a nod to the actor's earlier high-octane rural action films that cemented his stardom.
Co-production duties are shared between Wunderbar Films and R Take Studios, which formally joined the project just days before the teaser launch.
Full Technical Team
The film features Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela as the female leads. Music is composed by Sai Abhyankkar, cinematography is handled by Ezhil Arasu, editing by Kalaivanan R, and costumes by Kavya Sriram.
How Mammootty Came On Board
When Mammootty was first announced as part of the project — then referred to as #D55 — Wunderbar Films welcomed him with a post that read: '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 also posted a personal welcome 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: 'Elated and excited to be a part of this journey with @dhanushkraja and @Rajkumar_KP.'
Periasamy described the project as 'a special journey for everybody associated with it', adding that the film is 'shaping up well'. With a landmark release date, a career-best budget, and one of Indian cinema's most celebrated actors in a pivotal role, 'Om' is shaping up as one of the most anticipated Tamil releases of the year.
Point of View
And the producers know it. But the more interesting signal is the 'Chapter 1' tag: franchise-building is now standard practice in Tamil commercial cinema, yet Periasamy's insistence that the film stands alone suggests the label may be aspirational rather than contractual. The red sanders backdrop also adds an edge — it is a real, politically sensitive smuggling network in South India, and how the film handles that material will determine whether 'Om' is remembered as mass entertainment or something with more texture. The biggest-budget claim is one to watch: Dhanush's recent films have had mixed commercial returns, and the pressure on this one is considerable.
NationPress
4 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mammootty's character name in the film 'Om'?
Mammootty plays a character named Karthikeyan in 'Om', as revealed by director Rajkumar Periasamy at the film's title teaser launch event on 19 June.
When will Dhanush's film 'Om' release in cinemas?
'Om' is scheduled to release on 16 October this year, according to director Rajkumar Periasamy's announcement at the title teaser launch.
What is the story of the film 'Om'?
'Om' revolves around the world of red sanders smuggling. Dhanush plays a woodcutter who steps in to rescue labourers held at gunpoint by police, as shown in the title teaser released on 19 June.
Who are the other cast and crew members of 'Om'?
The film stars Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela as the female leads. Music is 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 Chapter 1' mean there will be a sequel?
The film carries a 'Chapter 1' tagline, but director Rajkumar Periasamy has clarified that 'Om' is a self-contained story that will be complete in itself, regardless of whether a sequel follows.
