Dharma Productions and Prithviraj Productions are coming together to produce Odiyan: Age of IllusionA sweeping epic rooted in the folklore and cultural mythology of 19th century Kerala. Produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawala, Apoorva Mehta and Supriya Menon and directed by Rahul Sadasivan (Bhootakalam, Brahmayugam, This Era), the film stars Manju Warrier and Prithviraj Sukumaran. It is Dharma Productions’ first Malayalam production, marking a significant debut for one of India’s most celebrated film houses.
Karan Johar announces Dharma Productions’ Malayalam debut with Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer Odiyan
At its core, the film is about a sinister shape-changer from Kerala whose wrath descends upon a powerful matriarchal household, triggering a battle between truth and illusion that is filled with myth, danger, and psychological weight. Rahul Sadasivan, who has created one of the most distinctive works in Indian cinema through his unique capture of the folklore and ambiance of Kerala, is working on his most ambitious project yet.
Karan Johar, producer, Dharma Productions, said, “I have been a huge fan of Malayalam cinema for a long time, and always wanted to be a part of that world. The craft, the courage, the way its filmmakers trust their audiences – it’s something I have watched with genuine awe. When this story came to us with Rahul’s vision and Prithviraj at the helm, it felt like it was the perfect time. Odeon: The Age of Illusion is a film that most It deserves a larger potential canvas, and I’m glad we got to give it just that.”
Apoorva Mehta, CEO, Dharma Productions, said, “Malayalam cinema represents everything we respect in storytelling, fearless creative ambition, deep cultural rootedness and a connect with audiences that is truly earned. For Dharma, entering Malayalam cinema is a natural and exciting expansion, the industry has the talent, audience and storytelling strength that makes it a market we definitely want to be in. Prithviraj Productions and Rahul Collaborating with Sadasivan on Odeon: The Edge of Illusion is a proud moment for us, and a sign of where we’re headed.”
Prithviraj Sukumaran, actor and producer, Prithviraj Productions, said, “Odiyan is not just a myth, it is a piece of Kerala’s identity, a legend that has been passed down through generations and holds a powerful place in our cultural consciousness. Bringing this story to the screen in a way that respects its mythology and the culture it comes from is very close to my heart. Having Dharma Productions as our partner brings together two shared visions. brings it together and I’m excited to see how it shapes up.”
Supriya Menon, Director, Prithviraj Productions said, “As a company that is constantly trying to improve Malayalam cinema, where the storytelling is supported by its audience and works across different genres – we are delighted to welcome Dharma Productions to the disruptive world of Malayalam cinema. We look forward to continuing our efforts with Odiyan to bring world-class cinema to Malayalam screens and provide our audiences with a great viewing experience.” Will stay.”
Rahul Sadasivan, film director, said, “Folklore has always been a powerful source of fear as it exists in the space between memory, belief and imagination. With Odeon: The Age of Illusion, I wanted to revisit one of Kerala’s most enduring legends and bring it to life through a cinematic language rooted in atmosphere, mystery and emotion. After the love and recognition given to my previous films by the audience, this project is a story on a much larger canvas. While this presents an opportunity to tell true topics that have always interested me, I am excited to collaborate with Dharma Productions and Prithviraj Productions to bring this vision to life.
