Dharma Productions is officially entering the Malayalam film industry with Odiyan: The Age Of Illusion, a folklore-inspired epic that brings together some of the biggest creative forces from across industries. The Dharma Productions project is being developed in collaboration with Prithviraj Productions and acclaimed filmmaker Rahul Sadasivan.
The film, which marks Dharma Productions’ first Malayalam-language venture, is being developed in collaboration with Prithviraj Productions and filmmaker Rahul Sadasivan. The project will be produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta and Supriya Menon, with Prithviraj Sukumaran and Manju Warrier leading the cast.
Set in 19th-century Kerala, Odiyan: The Age Of Illusion is inspired by the legendary Odiyan myth — one of Kerala’s most fascinating and enduring folklore tales. The story follows a feared shape-shifter whose arrival disrupts the balance within a powerful matriarchal household, triggering a tense battle between truth, illusion and belief.
The film will be directed by Rahul Sadasivan, whose acclaimed films Bhoothakaalam and Bramayugam have been praised for their atmospheric storytelling and deep connection to Kerala’s folklore traditions. With Odiyan: The Age Of Illusion, the filmmaker is set to take on his most ambitious project yet.
Speaking about Dharma Productions’ Malayalam cinema debut, Karan Johar said he has long admired the industry’s storytelling sensibilities.
“I have been a great admirer of Malayalam cinema for a long time. The craft, the courage and the trust filmmakers place in their audiences is something I deeply respect. When this story came to us with Rahul’s vision and Prithviraj leading the charge, it felt like the perfect opportunity to take our first step into Malayalam cinema,” he shared.
Apoorva Mehta also highlighted Malayalam cinema’s creative strength, calling the collaboration a significant milestone for Dharma Productions as it continues to expand its presence across regional cinema.
For Prithviraj Sukumaran, the project is especially close to home. The actor-producer described the Odiyan legend as an important part of Kerala’s cultural memory and said he has always wanted to see the story brought to the screen on a grand scale while remaining authentic to its roots.
“The Odiyan is not just a myth; it is a part of Kerala’s collective memory. To tell this story on such a grand scale while staying true to its roots is incredibly exciting,” he said.
Director Rahul Sadasivan echoed that sentiment, speaking about his fascination with folklore and stories that exist between memory, fear and imagination.
“Folklore has always been a powerful source of fear and wonder. With Odiyan: The Age Of Illusion, we want to revisit one of Kerala’s most fascinating legends through a cinematic language rooted in atmosphere, mystery and emotion,” the filmmaker said.
The announcement has already sparked excitement among film enthusiasts, thanks to the project’s unique premise and the creative team’s strong track record. With Dharma Productions making its Malayalam cinema debut, Rahul Sadasivan at the helm, and Prithviraj Sukumaran and Manju Warrier leading the cast, Odiyan: The Age Of Illusion is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Indian films in development.
The film is slated to arrive in cinemas soon.
