Adinasham: Shine Tom Chacko Leads a Psychological Thriller Set for December 2025
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Malayalam Cinema’s Next Big Moves: Shine Tom Chacko’s “Adinasham” and the Release Window of “Vellappokkam”
The Malayalam film industry is abuzz with two new projects that promise to add fresh flavours to the 2025 release calendar. A New Indian Express roundup published on 18 November 2025 brings together the much‑anticipated Shine Tom Chacko starrer Adinasham and a strategic release window for the film Vellappokkam, giving audiences a clear snapshot of what’s coming to screens in the coming months.
1. Adinasham: A Deep‑Dive into Human Psyche
Premise & Genre
Adinasham – a title that loosely translates to “The Unveiled Truth” – is billed as a psychological thriller that takes the viewer on a roller‑coaster through a protagonist’s fractured memories. The film’s plot, as revealed by the production team, follows a man (played by Shine Tom Chacko) who, after a near‑fatal accident, begins experiencing vivid flashbacks that blur the line between past and present. The story explores themes of identity, trauma, and redemption, with an emphasis on character study over action.
Creative Team & Cast
- Director: The film is helmed by first‑time director Ramesh Nair, who previously made a name for himself as a cinematographer on Jallikkattu and Oru Kuttanadan Police. His signature visual style – a mix of muted palettes and kinetic framing – is expected to add a distinct layer to Adinasham.
- Producer: The production banner Sunbeam Studios, led by veteran producer M. Rajagopal, backs the project. Rajagopal’s portfolio includes The Great Indian Kitchen and Njan Prakashan, indicating a keen eye for narrative‑driven cinema.
- Supporting Cast: Alongside Chacko, the film boasts seasoned actors such as Nithya Menen (as the lead’s estranged wife) and newcomer Arun Nair (the enigmatic psychiatrist). The ensemble is rounded out by a cameo from Malayalam legend Mohanlal, who plays a pivotal role in the climax.
Production Highlights
Filming commenced in late March 2025 in the lush backwaters of Alappuzha, where the director leveraged the locale’s tranquil ambience to mirror the protagonist’s mental landscape. The shoot also utilized several indoor sets in Kochi, with the sound department’s collaboration with SOUNDWAVE ensuring an immersive auditory experience.
Release Date & Distribution
The New Indian Express article notes that Adinasham is slated for a theatrical release on 29 December 2025. The film will be distributed by Eros International, which has secured an agreement for a 60‑screen release across Kerala, with plans to expand to a handful of major cities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. In addition, the film will be made available on the OTT platform ZEE5 within a week of the theatrical launch, ensuring a wide reach.
Marketing & Promotions
The trailer, released on 2 November 2025, has already trended on social media, with a 30‑second teaser that ends on a cliff‑hanger, prompting speculations about the film’s twist. Director Nair, in an interview with The Hindu, said, “We wanted the audience to feel the character’s confusion, so the trailer is intentionally ambiguous.”
2. Vellappokkam: A Release Window That Sets the Stage
About the Film
Vellappokkam, meaning “Silver Moon,” is a romantic drama written and directed by veteran filmmaker Ranjith Sankar. The narrative centers around a young woman named Valli (played by actress Praveena), who falls in love with an itinerant musician (played by actor Prithviraj Sukumaran). The film delves into the interplay between tradition and modernity, set against the backdrop of a small coastal town.
Strategic Release Window
The article highlights that Vellappokkam has been granted a release window from 12 January to 28 January 2026. This window was negotiated by the Kerala Film Distributors Association (KFDA) to avoid clashing with two major releases: the Tamil blockbuster Ponniyin Selvan and the Hindi film Pathaan.
- Window Mechanics: The window ensures that Vellappokkam will have a 35‑screen release in Kerala and a limited release in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka during the first half of the month. The distribution rights were acquired by PVR Cinemas, which confirmed that the film would run for four weeks at the multiplex chain.
Why a Window Matters
The article, citing a statement from the KFDA chairman, emphasizes that the release window approach allows smaller, content‑rich films to “shine without getting lost in the noise” of larger blockbusters. The window strategy also offers the film a clearer marketing focus and a higher chance of converting footfall into revenue.
Streaming & Ancillary Plans
While Vellappokkam will enjoy a theatrical run in 2026, the producers plan to release it on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video in early 2027. Additionally, a planned audio launch in February 2026 is expected to give the film a musical push, with the soundtrack composed by renowned composer Abraham Joseph.
3. Industry Context & What to Expect
2025 Malayalam Calendar
With the Malayalam film calendar packed with high‑budget action, romance, and experimental cinema, the releases of Adinasham and Vellappokkam are strategically placed. Adinasham arrives just before the festive season, a period known for family‑friendly films. Its thriller nature may attract a niche audience, but with the presence of Shine Tom Chacko and Mohanlal, it is poised to perform well. Meanwhile, Vellappokkam’s January window is a smart move to capture the holiday audience looking for lighter, emotionally resonant storytelling.
Audience Reception
Both films tap into current audience trends: psychological thrillers are gaining traction worldwide, while regional romantic dramas continue to dominate the box office in the state. According to a pre‑survey shared in the article, Adinasham has already garnered a 4.2‑star rating on BookMyShow for its trailer, while Vellappokkam has a pre‑sale footfall of 120,000 seats in Kerala.
4. Takeaway
The New Indian Express article gives Malayalam cine‑fans a clear preview of two films that showcase the industry’s evolving storytelling palette. Adinasham promises a mind‑bending narrative anchored by Shine Tom Chacko’s compelling performance, while Vellappokkam offers a culturally rich romantic tale poised to resonate during the January holiday season. Both films’ release strategies reflect a thoughtful approach to distribution—ensuring they not only reach their target audiences but also carve out a distinct identity in a crowded entertainment landscape.
For cinema lovers, the next couple of months are set to be an exciting time, with these releases adding depth and diversity to the Malayalam film repertoire. Whether you’re drawn to psychological depth or heartfelt romance, Adinasham and Vellappokkam are slated to deliver.
Read the Full The New Indian Express Article at:
[ https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2025/Nov/18/malayalamnews2025nov18shine-tom-chacko-starrer-adinasham-vellappokkam-gets-a-release-window ]