Following reports that Pongala encountered objections from the Central Board of Film Certification over its extreme violent content, the release of the Sreenath Bhasi-starrer has once again been rescheduled to December 5. The film had earlier been announced for October 31, then moved to December 5, later shifted to November 30, and is now back to its previous December 5 slot.
Written and directed by AB Binil, who made his debut with the 2022 film Vamanan, Pongala is described as an action-packed entertainer inspired by real-life events from the early 2000s in the Vypin-Munambam coastal region near Kochi. The film marks Sreenath Bhasi’s first full-fledged action role.
The supporting cast includes Baburaj, Sampath Ram, Kichu Tellus, Sudheer Karamana, Alencier, Sminu Sijo, Murugan Martin, Sohan Seenulal and child actor Sreerang Shine. The film has cinematography by Jackson Johnson, editing by Ajas Pukkadan and music by Ranjin Raj. It is produced by Deepu Bose and Anil Pillai under the Global Pictures Entertainment banner, with Dona Thomas as co-producer.
Meanwhile, Sreenath Bhasi’s other long-delayed film Khajuraho Dreams, directed by Manoj Vasudev, is also scheduled to release on December 5. The road movie stars Sharaf U Dheen, Arjun Ashokan, Aditi Ravi, Dhruvan and Chandhunadh alongside Sreenath.
The Manjummel Boys actor’s upcoming slate also includes Udumbanchola Vision, G1 and Karakkam.