Vilayath Buddha is an upcoming Malayalam-language film directed by Jayan Nambiar, based on the acclaimed novel by G. R. Indugopan, who has also co-written the screenplay with Rajesh Pinnadan. Produced by Sandip Senan and A. V. Anoop under the banners Urvasi Theatres and AVA Productions, the film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran and Shammi Thilakan in pivotal roles.
Blending philosophy, human emotion, and moral conflict, the story revolves around the relationship between a mentor and his protégé, set against the backdrop of a sacred sandalwood tree that becomes a metaphor for greed, legacy, and enlightenment. With stunning visuals captured by cinematographers Arvind S. Kashyap and Renadive, sharp editing by Sreejith Sarang, and a soulful score composed by Jakes Bejoy, Vilayath Buddha promises to be a visually rich and emotionally profound cinematic experience. Scheduled for release on 21 November 2025, the film is expected to be one of the most thought-provoking Malayalam releases of the year, exploring the timeless clash between material desire and spiritual awakening.

Vilayath Buddha (film)
- Directed by: Jayan Nambiar
- Based on: Vilayath Buddha by G. R. Indugopan
- Screenplay by: G. R. Indugopan, Rajesh Pinnadan
- Produced by: Sandip Senan, A. V. Anoop
- Production Companies: Urvasi Theatres, AVA Productions
- Starring: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shammi Thilakan
- Genre: Drama / Philosophical Thriller
- Language: Malayalam
- Country: India
- Release Date: 21 November 2025
- Cast
- Crew
- Video
- FAQ
Vilayath Buddha – Cast and Character Details
Vilayath Buddha brings together a powerful ensemble of actors, each adding depth to the film’s exploration of greed, morality, and human relationships.
Vinod Thomas – A familiar face in Malayalam cinema, Vinod’s role adds to the ensemble that shapes the environment around Bhaskaran Master and Mohanan. His arc underscores how the fate of one tree becomes intertwined with the lives of many.
Prithviraj Sukumaran as Double Mohanan – The central figure of the story, Double Mohanan is a daring and ambitious sandalwood smuggler. Once a devoted protégé of Bhaskaran Master, his hunger for control and possession of the sacred sandalwood tree—known as the “Vilayath Buddha”—sets off a deep moral and emotional conflict. Prithviraj’s portrayal captures the fine balance between charm, cunning, and inner turmoil, making Mohanan one of his most layered roles in recent times.
Shammi Thilakan as Bhaskaran Master – A retired teacher and Mohanan’s mentor, Bhaskaran Master represents the voice of wisdom and restraint. Having planted and nurtured the sacred sandalwood tree in his courtyard, he views it as a symbol of legacy and enlightenment rather than material wealth. His ideological clash with Mohanan forms the emotional core of the film, reflecting the eternal battle between greed and conscience.
Priyamvada Krishnan as the Female Lead – Though her character name is yet to be revealed, she plays a pivotal role that bridges the tension between the mentor and student. Her presence adds emotional depth and highlights the human side of the philosophical struggle that drives the story forward.
Anu Mohan as Ani – Ani is a crucial supporting character who stands close to both Mohanan and the local community. He represents the voice of reason within the chaos surrounding the tree, caught between loyalty and survival. His arc brings out the realities of life in rural Kerala, where morality often bends under the weight of necessity.
Teejay Arunasalam as Maari – A Tamil-speaking outsider, Maari enters the story as a disruptive force. He embodies the external pressures and greed that threaten to consume the peace of Bhaskaran Master’s world. His presence adds an element of unpredictability and intensifies the clash between culture, crime, and community.
Kottayam Ramesh – Appearing in a vital supporting role, Kottayam Ramesh’s character is expected to add texture to the narrative, representing the older generation’s silent observation of how greed transforms values and traditions.
Dhruvan – Portraying a strong rural character, Dhruvan’s role is likely tied to the economic undercurrents of the sandalwood trade. His performance is anticipated to reflect the voice of the ordinary villager caught in extraordinary circumstances.
Pramod Veliyanadu – Known for his grounded performances, Pramod’s character brings authenticity to the story, possibly serving as a bridge between the central conflict and the community that depends on the sandalwood trade for survival.
Vilayath Buddha (2025) – Crew Credits
- Directed by: Jayan Nambiar
- Produced by: Sandip Senan, A. V. Anoop
- Written by: G. R. Indugopan, Rajesh Pinnadan
- Executive Producer: Sangeeth Senan
- Director of Photography (DOP): Arvind S. Kashyap ISC, Renadive
- Music: Jakes Bejoy
- Editor: Sreejith Sarang
- Production Designer: Benglan
- Line Producer: Raghu Subhash Chandran
- Art Director: Jithu Sebastian
- Makeup: Manu Mohan
- Production Controller: Alex E. Kurien
- Project Designer: Manu Alukkal
- Sound Design: Ajayan Adat, Piousmon Sunny
- Sound Mix: M. R. Rajakrishnan
- Chief Associate Director: Kiran Raphel
- Stunts: Rajasekhar, Kalai Kingson, Supreme Sundar, Mahesh Mathew
- First Associate Director: Vinod Ganga
- Distribution Head: G. Hareendran
- Colourist: Liju Prabhakar
- DI: Rang Raysmedia
- VFX: Black Maria Studio, Accel Media, A 2K24 Company, Spectre Post Pvt. Ltd.
- Visual Effects Director: Rajesh Nair
- Title Animation: Sarath Vinu
- Stills: Sinat Savier
- Title Design: Oldmonks
- Publicity Design: Yellowtooths
Cast
- Prithviraj Sukumaran
- Shammi Thilakan
- Anu Mohan
- Dhruvan
- Kiran Peethambaran
- Adat Gopalan
- Pramod Veliyanadu
- Vinod Thomas
- Teejay Arunachalam
- Aravind
- Santhosh Damodaran
- Manikandan
- TSK
- Priyamvada Krishnan
- Rajasree Nair
Music Production Details
Artist Coordination: Don Vincent
Teaser Music Composed and Produced by: Jakes Bejoy
Music Production Team: Jakes Bejoy, Bharath Madhusudhanan, Andrew Gerlicher, Maneesh Shaji, Praveen Ninan, KC Balasarangan
Backing Vocals: Jakes Bejoy, Don Vincent, Bharath, Milan Joy
Nadaswaram: Balasubramanyan
Guitar: Crispin Netto
Session Arranged & Managed by: Maneeth Manoj, Maneesh Shaji
Mixed and Mastered by: Midhun Anand
Recording Studios: Mindscore Music (Cochin), Pop Media (Cochin)
Engineers: Midhun Anand, Unmesh Unnikrishnan, Maneesh Shaji, Jisto George
Vilayath Buddha – Making Video
FAQ
1. What is film Vilayath Buddha about?
Vilayath Buddha is a Malayalam-language drama inspired by G. R. Indugopan’s acclaimed novel of the same name. It explores the moral conflict between a retired teacher and his former student over the possession of a sacred sandalwood tree, symbolizing greed, legacy, and enlightenment.
2. Who is directing Vilayath Buddha?
The film is directed by Jayan Nambiar, known for his distinct storytelling approach that balances realism with deep emotional and philosophical themes.
3. Who plays the lead roles in the film?
Prithviraj Sukumaran stars as Double Mohanan, while Shammi Thilakan portrays Bhaskaran Master. Their mentor-protégé relationship and moral clash form the core of the story.
4. Who wrote the screenplay for Vilayath Buddha?
The screenplay is written by G. R. Indugopan and Rajesh Pinnadan, adapting the original literary work into a cinematic narrative.
Discover more from SRMAYA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
