Onam turned into a major launchpad for Malayalam cinema, with three new films and a teaser unveiled on August 26. Dileep’s investigation thriller Neekam, Nikhil Prasad’s Karikku-backed comedy Good Luck Chico, and Parvathy’s courtroom drama Pradhama Drishtya Kuttakkar were announced, alongside the teaser of Jayasuriya’s Operation Tral, a terrorism-inspired thriller promising intense action and a strong national message.
Sticking to the tradition of announcing new films on the occasion of the festive Onam season, three new films were announced on August 26.
In some cases, like Dileep’s next film with Jagan Shaji Kailas, the occasion was chosen to reveal the film’s title. The film is now titled Neekam, meaning 'Move' (like a move in chess). The new poster features the actor making notes on a journal as he’s seated at a bus stop. It appears to be an investigation based thriller and not an entirely massy action movie as rumoured. The film is being produced by Urvassi Theatres and a release is expected later this year.
The other announcement was for Good Luck Chico, directed by Nikhil Prasad. The director is known for founding the super popular comedy series Karikku on YouTube. A film by the Karikku team has been in talks for around five years, and Good Luck Chico appears to be the culmination of that. Dr. Ananthu, one of the makers of Athiradi, is producing it. The cast is expected to include all members of the Karikku gang.
Rounding off the news was the release date of Parvathy and Vijayaraghavan's Pradhama Drishtya Kuttakkar, meaning 'Prima Facie Convicts.' It is directed by Shahad and produced by Arjun Selva. Of the three, this will be released earliest on September 11. It is written by PS Subramanian and Vijesh Thottingal.
The teaser of Operation Tral, starring Jayasuriya, too was launched. The film is said to be inspired by true events after an ambush by terrorists sparked nationwide outrage. It is being written and directed by Ratheesh Vega, and produced by Joby George Thadathil under the banner of Goodwill Entertainments.
According to the makers, the film will blend the realities of modern intelligence warfare and high-octane sequences, underscored by "a strong national message.”