Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy to make their debut in Malayalam cinema

Renowned Bollywood music composer trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy are set to make their debut in Malayalam cinema. Announcing the same on social media on Wednesday, the trio described the film as a blend of “Kochi’s soul, WWE wrestling madness, chenda beats, and a soundtrack that’s literally gonna pack a punch.” They also shared a photograph featuring a bound script placed on a traditional chenda drum, with a wrestling action figure in the background.

The upcoming film, directed by debutant Adhvaith Nayar, is produced by Ramesh S Ramakrishnan, Ritesh S Ramakrishnan and Shihan Shoukath under the banner of Reel World Entertainment. Its technical crew includes cinematographer Chandru Selvaraj, production designer Sunil Das and stunt choreographer Kalai Kingson. All three previously collaborated on Unni Mukundan's actioner Marco (2024). The composers also added that the upcoming film’s title and cast would be revealed soon.

Notably, last year, Reel World Entertainment announced a wrestling-themed Malayalam film starring Arjun Ashokan in the lead. The announcement poster featured a wrestling ring with the tagline “Ready to Rumble?” and described it as “the ultimate Kochi smackdown.” It remains unclear whether this is the same film starring Arjun.

Besides Hindi, Shankar Ehsaan Loy previously composed for Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi films. They are best known for their work in Bollywood films such as Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006), Rock On!! (2008), My Name Is Khan (2010), and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011). In 2004, they won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for Kal Ho Naa Ho. Their last work was for the 2024 Hindi film Yudhra, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Malavika Mohanan.

Interestingly, this is not the first time the trio was associated with a Malayalam film. In 2018, they were announced as the composers for the Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer Kaaliyan, a period drama set in the 1600s. However, they were replaced by KGF-fame composer Ravi Basrur in 2022. The current status of the film remains unknown.