When the exploitation of forest resources becomes the centre of a criminal network, the battle to protect them can involve more than just the law. With an undercover mission, a network of smugglers and a series of confrontations unfolding against the backdrop of a forest, OM: Chapter 1 – Udhiram – The Blood Wood promises a story rooted in crime and the fight for justice. Adding to the intrigue is the combination of three performers coming together for the first time in this setting.
Director Rajkumar Periasamy, who last helmed the Sivakarthikeyan-starrer Amaran, returns with a story inspired by real-life incidents. The film also marks an interesting collaboration between Dhanush, Mammootty and Sai Pallavi, with the latter appearing in a police role.
The makers have now released the trailer of the film, renamed O.M, with the letter referring to 'Operation Mole', a police mission centred on a criminal network involved in the red sandalwood trade. Sai Pallavi plays CBI officer Nithya Reddy, who leads the operation, while Dhanush plays an undercover officer who infiltrates the network. Mammootty, meanwhile, plays Burma Karthikeyan, a powerful figure associated with the criminal world.
The trailer also offers glimpses of intense action sequences featuring both actors, while Sai Pallavi's character appears to be at the forefront of the investigation. Sreeleela, Naseeruddin Shah and Indrans are also part of the ensemble cast, alongside Chaitu Jonnalagadda and others.
Written and directed by Rajkumar Periasamy, the film is produced by Wunderbar Films and RTake Studios. The technical crew includes Sai Abhyankkar as music composer, Ezhil Arasu K as cinematographer and R Kalaivanan as editor. Action choreography is handled by Yannick Ben and Kecha Khamphakdee.
OM: Chapter 1 is scheduled to release in theatres worldwide on November 20. The film will arrive in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, marking another pan-Indian outing for Dhanush and Mammootty.
