Lakshmikanthan Kolai Vazhakku gets U/A certificate, releases July 10
Synopsis
Dayal Padmanabhan's period crime thriller 'Lakshmikanthan Kolai Vazhakku' — set in 1972 and centred on a death-row prisoner's final hours — has cleared CBFC with a U/A certificate. With Vetrimaran's endorsement, Darbuka Siva's score, and a 10 July 2026 release date locked in, this quietly mounted Tamil film is arriving with serious credentials.
Key Takeaways
Lakshmikanthan Kolai Vazhakku has received a U/A certificate from the CBFC .
The film releases in theatres on 10 July 2026 .
Directed by Dayal Padmanabhan and produced by K V Sabareesh under 2M Cinemas .
Actor Vetri plays the lead character Arivumathi ; the story is set in 1972 and follows a prisoner on death row.
Music is by Darbuka Siva ; filmmaker Vetrimaran launched the film's first look.
Director Dayal Padmanabhan's period crime drama 'Lakshmikanthan Kolai Vazhakku', featuring 'Jiivi' fame actor Vetri in the lead, has been cleared for theatrical release by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with a U/A certificate. The film is set to hit screens on 10 July 2026.
Official Announcement
Production house 2M Cinemas confirmed the certification on its official X account, writing: 'We are delighted to announce that #LakshmiKanthanKolaiVazhakku has been certified U/A. A period crime thriller, now ready to reach audiences of all ages. See you in theatres from July 10, 2026. Directed by @dayalpadmanaban. Produced by @2mcinemas. & D Pictures. A @DarbukaSiva Musical.'
What the Film Is About
Director Dayal Padmanabhan had previously clarified that the film bears no connection to the widely known Lakshmikanthan murder case involving film stars suspected in the killing of a journalist. Instead, the story is rooted in real-life incidents from 1972, centring on a prisoner awaiting execution on death row. 'The couple of hours that he spends, revisiting his past, before going to the gallows is what the film's story is all about,' Padmanabhan had said.
Cast and Characters
Vetri plays the character Arivumathi, while Rangaraj Pandey portrays Sivanandham. Brigida appears as Mallika and Saravanan as Sargunam, with Maaran playing Murthi. The film's music and background score have been composed by Darbuka Siva.
Technical Credits
Screenplay and dialogues are by Kavitha Bharathi and Dayal Padmanabhan. Cinematography is handled by M V Paneerselvam, with editing by V Boopathi. The film is produced by K V Sabareesh under 2M Cinemas, with Padmanabhan also serving as co-producer under D Pictures.
Industry Backing
Notably, the film's first look was launched by acclaimed filmmaker Vetrimaran, who reportedly appreciated the team's conviction and sincerity after viewing select visuals — a significant endorsement in Tamil cinema circles. Padmanabhan had also noted that the shoot was completed well ahead of schedule, crediting the entire team's support throughout the production.
With its U/A clearance secured, 'Lakshmikanthan Kolai Vazhakku' is positioned to reach a wide cross-section of audiences when it opens in cinemas on 10 July 2026.
Point of View
Not the famous case' — is itself a marketing strategy, generating curiosity while sidestepping controversy. Vetrimaran's early endorsement and Darbuka Siva's score give the film credibility beyond its modest production profile. Whether a death-row drama set five decades ago can cut through a crowded mid-year release window will be the real test.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Lakshmikanthan Kolai Vazhakku release in theatres?
The film is set to release in theatres on 10 July 2026, following its CBFC U/A certification confirmed by producer 2M Cinemas.
Is Lakshmikanthan Kolai Vazhakku based on the real Lakshmikanthan murder case?
No. Director Dayal Padmanabhan has explicitly clarified that the film has no connection to the well-known Lakshmikanthan murder case involving film stars. It is instead based on real-life incidents from 1972, focusing on a prisoner on death row.
Who plays the lead in Lakshmikanthan Kolai Vazhakku?
Actor Vetri, known for his role in 'Jiivi', plays the lead character Arivumathi. Rangaraj Pandey, Brigida, Saravanan, and Maaran are also part of the cast.
Who is the director and producer of the film?
The film is directed by Dayal Padmanabhan and produced by K V Sabareesh under the banner 2M Cinemas, with Padmanabhan also serving as co-producer under D Pictures.
What certificate has Lakshmikanthan Kolai Vazhakku received from the CBFC?
The Central Board of Film Certification has granted the film a U/A certificate, making it suitable for audiences of all ages with parental guidance for younger viewers.
