Malayalam action thriller Vilayathe Buddha, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, releases in theaters on November 21, 2025, and early reactions on X (formerly Twitter) suggest a promising progress. Directed by debutant Jayan Nambiar, the film is based on the novel by GR Indugopan and brings together a strong cast like Shammi Thilakan, Priyamvada Krishnan, Anu Mohan and Dhruvan. The project was originally conceived by Saatchi in 2020, and Nambiar stepped in after Saatchi passed away in June that year.
Here’s what fans are saying
Shortly after the first show, viewers shared their initial thoughts online. Many users stated that the film is “entertaining and visually captivating”, with many highlighting Prithviraj’s intense performance. One viewer noted that Prithviraj Sukumaran’s film is “based on a clash of egos, success is guaranteed,” reflecting the audience’s confidence in the actor’s hold on such roles.
Another social media user said the film felt like “a brilliantly made, watchable film”, particularly praising its setting in the dense forests of Marayur and its strong technical work.
Some users praised the pacing, saying that it is “a good action entertainer with zero dull moments.” As more shows began, some posts called the film “a blockbuster on the cards”, indicating that the early buzz could help boost weekend collections. Although these comments are not formal reviews, they offer a snapshot of how audiences are responding to the film’s mix of action, conflict, and rural drama.
Vilayatha Buddha follows the tense relationship between a teacher and his bandit disciple as they fight for a rare sandalwood tree atop a hill in Marayur. The film’s visuals were shot by cinematographer Arvind S. Kashyap draws from the work of ISC and Rendive, while editor Srijit Sarang ensures a tight narrative.
Here are some more reactions:
Jake Bejoy’s music adds to the harsh tone of the film, and the stunts, coordinated by Rajasekhar, Kalai Kingson, Supreme Sundar and Mahesh Mathew, play a key role in shaping the action sequences.
The film is produced by Sandeep Sanon and AV Anup, with Rajesh Pinadan writing the screenplay along with Indugopan. The technical team includes production designer Bengalan, art director Jeethu Sebastian, sound designers Ajayan Adat and Piyasman Sunny, and VFX teams from Black Maria Studio, Excel Media, A 2K24 Company and Specter Post Pvt. Ltd.
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