With 'Avihitham', Filmmaker Senna Hegde Returns to Kanhangad

Filmmaker Senna Hegde, who has built a reputation for setting most of his films in his hometown of Kanhangad in Kasaragod district in Kerala, has announced his next project, Avihitham. The title, which translates to “illicit” or “unlawful” in English and often refers to extramarital relationships in Malayalam, hints at layered social themes. The makers unveiled the film’s title poster on Sunday, carrying the tagline: “Not just a man’s right.”

The screenplay of Avihitham has been jointly written by Senna and Ambareesh Kalathera, and is based on a story by the latter. Actors Unni Raja and Ranji Kankol, familiar faces in Malayalam cinema for their light-hearted supporting roles, are said to take on important characters in the film. Further details about the cast and genre remain under wraps.

Behind the camera, Senna reunites with long-time collaborator Sreeraj Raveendran, who also serves as the project’s creative director. Cinematography will be handled by Raveendran alongside Ramesh Mathews, with Sanath Sivaraj on editing and Sreerag Sasi composing the music. The film is produced by Mukesh R Mehta, Harris Desom, P B Anish, C V Sarathi and Senna Hegde under the banners E4 Experiments, Imagin Cinemas and Marley State of Mind.

Senna, who began his career with the docu-drama 0-41 (2016) and the Kannada feature Katheyondu Shuruvagide (2018), rose to prominence with the critically acclaimed Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam (2020). Set in Kanhangad, the film won the National Award for Best Malayalam Film and multiple Kerala State Film Awards, establishing him as a fresh voice in Malayalam cinema. He followed it up with 1744 White Alto (2022) and Padmini (2023), before making his acting debut in Aashiq Abu’s Rifle Club (2024).

Avihitham continues Senna’s “Made in Kanhangad” storytelling tradition, with only Padmini breaking away from the pattern. While fans are still awaiting updates on the previously announced sequel to Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam, the filmmaker’s latest project signals another intimate exploration of life, relationships, and community from the lens of his hometown.