Fahadh Faasil’s Karate Chandran Begins Filming in Kottayam; Roy Makes Directorial Debut
The Karate Chandran movie starring Fahadh Faasil has formally begun production, with the Malayalam film’s pooja and switch-on ceremony held in Kottayam on Saturday, 24 October 2026. Directed by Roy and backed by Bhavana Studios, the project moves into its filming phase more than two years after its initial announcement. The makers have also confirmed an extensive supporting cast and a technical team led by cinematographer Rakesh Haridas, editor Kiran Das, and composer Justin Varghese.
🎥 Karate Chandran Movie Shoot Begins in Kottayam
The production launch marks a significant step for the Karate Chandran movie, which was first unveiled in February 2024 with photographs of Fahadh dressed in a karate uniform. Those early images introduced the film’s title and lead actor but did not reveal the full storyline.
For the current production, a shooting schedule of 140 days has been planned. Filming is set to take place in Kottayam and the surrounding areas. The schedule is a production plan, not a confirmed completion date, and the makers have not announced when shooting will end.
The launch update includes photos of team members posing with a film clapperboard. Another photograph shows the Karate Chandran slate up close, bearing the date 24 October 2026.
🎬 Roy’s Directorial Debut Reunites Familiar Collaborators
The film marks Roy’s debut as an independent director. He previously worked closely with Dileesh Pothan as a co-director, a collaboration that goes back to Maheshinte Prathikaaram. His move into direction is one of the more interesting aspects of the project, particularly because he is working with several people already associated with Bhavana Studios.
S Hareesh and Vinoy Thomas have written the story, screenplay and dialogues. The two writers bring distinct experience from contemporary Malayalam cinema, including their work associated with Jallikattu and Churuli. Their involvement offers a meaningful creative detail, although the makers have yet to disclose the film’s central premise.
Dileesh Pothan, Fahadh Faasil and Syam Pushkaran are producing the film under the Bhavana Studios banner. The company’s previous productions include Kumbalangi Nights, Joji and Premalu, making this another collaboration within a well-established Malayalam filmmaking team.
👥 Karate Chandran Cast and Technical Crew
Alongside Fahadh in the lead, the announced cast includes Vijayaraghavan, Johny Antony, Sudheesh, Renji Panicker, Gokul Suresh, Suresh Krishna, Spadikam George, Manohari Joy, Jaya Kurup and Manjusree Nair. The casting update reveals the breadth of the ensemble, but individual character details have not yet been disclosed.
Rakesh Haridas is handling cinematography, Kiran Das is editing, and Justin Varghese is composing the music. Vivek Kalathil is credited with art direction, Mashar Hamsa with costumes, and Ronex Xavier with make-up. The production has also named Egg White VFX for visual effects.
📅 What’s Next for Karate Chandran?
For now, the confirmed news is the Kottayam launch, the planned filming schedule, and the expanded cast and crew. Despite the title and the karate-themed pictures from its earlier announcement, no detailed plot, official genre, or theatrical release date has been confirmed.
With production under way, the next useful updates will be the film’s shooting progress, character announcements, and eventual release plans. Until those details are made official, Karate Chandran remains a project to follow for its Fahadh Faasil–Roy combination and the writers and producers behind it.
