‘Odiyan: The Age of Illusion’ brings the Malayalam folklore of the Odiyan, or shapeshifter, back to screens. Actor Prithviraj, along with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, is producing this horror-folklore film.

Rahul Sadasivan, who debuted in 2013 with the film Red Rain, will direct the film. This is his first film since the horror trilogy of ‘Bhoothakaalam’, ‘Bramayugam’ and ‘Dies Irae’.

Through these three films, he has carved out a niche space for himself among the new generation of Malayalam cinema directors.

This marks Karan Johar’s entry into Malayalam cinema. The film is also backed by Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta and Supriya Menon.

Speaking about the collaboration, Johar said, “I’ve admired Malayalam cinema for a long time. The craft, the courage, the way its filmmakers trust their audiences I’ve watched it with genuine awe.”

When this story came to us, with Rahul’s vision and Prithviraj at the helm, it felt like the right moment. Odiyan: The Age of Illusion deserves the biggest possible canvas, and I’m glad we get to give it just that, Johar added.

‘Odiyan: The Age of Illusion’ reportedly tells a supernatural tale set in 19th-century Kerala.

It follows the legend of the Odiyan, beings who can shapeshift into animals to scare, harm or even kill others. They possess dark magic, or Odividya, and come out only at night time.

“The Odiyan isn’t just a myth, it’s a piece of Kerala’s identity. It’s travelled through generations and holds a powerful place in our cultural consciousness. Bringing this story to screen in a way that honours its mythology and culture has been a pursuit very close to my heart,” Prithviraj Sukumaran said.

The legend was earlier explored in the 2018 film ‘Odiyan’, directed by V.A casting Shrikumar Menon, with Mohanlal, Manju Warrier, and Prakash Raj, but the film received widespread criticism for its writing and execution.

Recently, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandhra hinted that Dulquer Salmaan’s cameo could be an Odiyan, which the makers might explore in future instalments.

The film stars Prithviraj and Manju Warrier in the leads, while Christo Xavier handles the music.

The makers held the official pooja ceremony at the Edappally Anchumana Temple in Kochi. They also confirmed the film will be released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.