As the Rajisha Vijayan-starrer Masthishka Maranam gears up for release on February 27, National Award-winning filmmaker Krishand has exclusively revealed to us that his next project will be headlined by Tovino Thomas and Darshana Rajendran, with veteran actor Jagadish playing a pivotal role. Describing the upcoming film as a “magical love story”, Krishand confirmed that the project is already in development. While he remained guarded about plot specifics, he indicated that this romantic film would mark a tonal shift from his trademark sensibilities.

Tovino and Darshana have previously collaborated on films such as Mayaanadhi, Virus and Dear Friend. Darshana is also part of the upcoming comedy entertainer Athiradi, the directorial debut of Minnal Murali co-writer Arun Anirudhan, which is headlined by Tovino, alongside Basil Joseph and Vineeth Sreenivasan. It is scheduled for release on May 14.

Krishand is best known for helming critically acclaimed films such as Aavasavyuham, Purusha Pretham and Sangarsha Ghadana. He also wrote and directed the SonyLIV web series 4.5 Gang (Sambhava Vivaranam Nalarasangham). While Darshana has previously worked with the filmmaker on Purusha Pretham and 4.5 Gang, the new film will mark Tovino’s first collaboration with Krishand.

Tovino is currently working on Muhsin Parari’s El Clasico, opposite Nazriya Nazim. The ARM actor will next be seen in Dijo Jose Antony’s period drama Pallichattambi, co-starring Kadayu Lohar, which is slated for a theatrical release on April 9.

Darshana was last seen in the Telugu film Paradha, alongside Anupama Parameswaran and Sangeetha Krish.