Actor-director Althaf Salim has joined the cast of Nivin Pauly’s upcoming film, directed by Akhil Sathyan. The film marks a reunion between Althaf and Akhil, following their collaboration on the latter's directorial debut Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum (PAV). Althaf shared the update on social media, posting a photo of Nivin with the caption: “Happy to share the screen after ages. The original boy next door.” Althaf’s acting career began with Nivin’s Premam, and he later directed Nivin in his debut feature Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela (NNO).

Akhil, who also serves as the writer and editor, previously described the yet-to-be-titled film as a musical romantic drama centred around a ghost with elements of fantasy and humour. The film also stars Aju Varghese in a pivotal role alongside Nivin. In an exclusive conversation with us, Akhil shared that he is confident the combination of the two actors will offer something unique compared to their previous collaborations. Further details about the extended cast, including the female lead, are yet to be disclosed.

The technical team from PAV has been retained for the new film, including cinematographer Sharan Velayudhan, music director Justin Prabhakaran, production designer Rajeevan, and sound designer Anil Radhakrishnan. It is produced by Ajayya Kumar and Rajeev Menon under the banner of Fire Fly Films.

Meanwhile, Althaf is preparing for the release of his sophomore directorial Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira, headlined by Fahadh Faasil and Kalyani Priyadarshan, which is slated to hit theatres on September 4. The NNO director had earlier shared that he is also co-writing another film for Akhil.