The first look of Hercules, starring Viraat, shows him stepping away from his lover-boy image seen in Kiss and Royal to embrace the intensity of a full-fledged mass hero.

Written and directed by debutant Bhageeratha, Hercules is backed by Aahana Films.

Bhageeratha, who has spent over a decade in cinema as an assistant director and writer, describes Hercules as a story close to his own journey. “The name refers to a warrior who has never known defeat. It’s about resilience and courage, both on-screen and behind it,” he shares. The film weaves together action and romance while presenting Viraat in a completely new light.

The director, who previously penned the web series Amoeba, says the film blends emotional depth with large-scale moments. “I wanted to craft a hero who fights not for glory but for purpose,” he adds.

The technical crew includes cinematographer Karunakar, editor Deepu S. Kumar, and music composer Adi Hari — son of noted composer V Harikrishna — who makes his solo debut. “This is my first independent project. I’ve been working on the background score and songs to bring out both the hero’s power and his emotional side,” says Adi.

For Viraat, Hercules is a project that mirrors his own artistic evolution. “This is an organic effort built from passion and belief. The story is about a warrior who fights for others, and the heart of the film lies in discovering who he truly fights for. I play three distinct shades of this man, each demanding a complete transformation,” he reveals.

Hercules is set to go on floors in November, with a release planned for early 2026.