Saiju Kurup is set to headline a new Malayalam thriller drama titled Saakshikal, written and directed by PS Arjun. The makers unveiled the film's first-look poster on Sunday, offering a glimpse of Saiju's character while formally announcing the project.
Apart from Saiju, Saakshikal features an ensemble cast comprising Abhimanyu Shammy Thilakan, Sheethal Joseph, Nishanth Sagar, Abhiram Radhakrishnan, Raghunath Paleri, Niranj Maniyanpilla Raju, Gokulan and Malikappuram-fame Devanandha in prominent roles. Further details regarding the storyline and the characters are yet to be disclosed by the makers. On the technical front, the film has cinematography by Anand Meenakshi, editing by Rathin Radhakrishnan and music composed by Samuel Aby. The project is produced by Punit under the banner of Rayra Ventures.
The announcement comes at a particularly busy phase in Saiju's career after completing 20 years in the film industry. The actor has enjoyed a successful run at the box office in recent months with Krishnadas Murali’s Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam, which emerged as one of the notable commercial successes of the year, earning around Rs 50 crores from the global box office.
Saiju was also part of the ensemble cast of the Jayasurya-starrer Aadu 3: One Last Ride – Part 1, the latest instalment in the popular Aadu franchise. The film, written and directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, went on to become a major commercial success, reportedly grossing more than Rs 100 crore worldwide.
Apart from Saakshikal, Saiju has several projects lined up. Among them is Harivarasanam, a big-budget devotional drama directed by Rajesh Nair from a screenplay by Dr Ampadhy K. The film is set to be officially launched with a traditional pooja ceremony on July 2 and is being produced by Vinayaka Ajith. The actor's upcoming slate also includes Aamir Pallikkal’s Prempaatta, headlined by Joemon Jyothir, Vishnu Ramachandran's Aaram, and Lurk, directed by MA Nishad.