Filming has officially commenced today, October 24, 2026, for the highly anticipated big-budget Malayalam project Karate Chandran, which rolled out with its traditional pooja and switch-on ceremony in Kottayam. The film marks Production No. 8 for Bhavana Studios, the heavy-hitting production house managed by the powerhouse trio of Fahadh Faasil, Dileesh Pothan, and Syam Pushkaran. With its unique blend of martial arts action and comedy-drama, the project has already generated significant buzz across the industry and among fans eager to see Fahadh in a physically demanding new avatar.
The film is directed by debutant filmmaker Roy (Roy T. Math), who holds a strong foundation in the industry having worked closely as Dileesh Pothan’s long-term co-director ever since the landmark film Mahesha Prathikaaram (2016). The script, story, and dialogues are co-written by the critically acclaimed, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award-winning writers S. Hareesh and Vinoy Thomas. Given that they previously collaborated on Lijo Jose Pellissery’s legendary surreal thriller Churuli (2021), industry expectations for the writing are massive, with many anticipating another uniquely crafted narrative that blends local flavor with bold storytelling.
While the exact story parameters are being kept under wraps, the film is framed as a character-driven high-voltage martial arts comedy-drama. Fahadh Faasil will be playing the titular character “Karate Chandran,” stepping into a dojo for intense action blocks. Viral photos from his preparation stages showing the actor undergoing actual professional martial arts training have already generated great internet hype, with fans eager to see the acclaimed performer tackle full-fledged action sequences after years of predominantly dramatic and comedic roles.
Alongside Fahadh Faasil, Karate Chandran boasts an immense ensemble cast consisting of veteran stars and young talents. Sangeeth Prathap joins the project fresh off the blockbuster success of Bhavana Studios’ Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, with Dileesh Pothan, Vijayaraghavan, Johny Antony, Renji Panicker, Gokul Suresh, Suresh Krishna, and Sudheesh rounding out the impressive line-up. The entire filming schedule is planned to take place in and around the scenic backdrops of Kottayam, Kerala. With a formidable creative team, a star-studded cast, and Fahadh Faasil headlining an action-packed martial arts spectacle, Karate Chandran has all the ingredients to become one of the most exciting Malayalam releases of the coming year.
