A new ensemble project is taking shape in Malayalam cinema and it already promises the kind of energy that thrives on collaboration. Titled Disco, the film brings together Antony Varghese Pepe, Arjun Ashokan, Lukman Avaran, Dev, Chemban Vinod Jose, Sreenath Bhasi and Vishnu Unnikrishnan, forming one of the more intriguing casts announced this year.
The project was officially revealed by the makers through social media with a striking concept poster that offers little in the way of story clues but signals ambition and scale. Disco marks the sophomore directorial venture of Ullas Chemban, who made his feature debut with Anchakkallakokkan in 2024. The filmmaker returns not just as director but also as a key creative force, reuniting with most of his earlier technical collaborators.
A familiar team, a new canvas
Disco is scripted and produced by Chemban Vinod Jose under his banner Chembosky Motion Pictures, a production house that has steadily been backing distinctive and director-driven projects. Ullas Chemban is also back with his Anchakkallakokkan crew, including cinematographer Armo, editor Rohit VS Variyath and music director Manikandan Ayyappa. This reunion suggests that the filmmaker is looking to build on the visual and narrative sensibilities that defined his debut, even as he moves into a new story space.
At the moment, the makers have kept the plot and genre tightly under wraps. All that is known is that Disco is still in its early stages, with more details expected to be revealed in the coming months. That secrecy has only added to the buzz, especially given the diversity of its cast, which spans actors known for raw intensity, grounded realism and youthful swagger.
Antony Varghese Pepe, often celebrated for his fierce screen presence, leads the line-up, followed closely by Arjun Ashokan and Lukman Avaran, two actors who have carved niches through a mix of indie sensibilities and mainstream appeal. Joining them are Dev, Chemban Vinod Jose, Sreenath Bhasi and Vishnu Unnikrishnan, all performers who bring distinct textures to ensemble storytelling.
Busy calendars for the Disco cast
Disco arrives at a time when most of its principal actors are in the middle of packed schedules. Antony Varghese Pepe is currently filming Paul George’s Kattalan, described as a big budget action film set against the backdrop of ivory smuggling. He is also part of the Dulquer Salmaan starrer I’m Game, which reunites him with RDX director Nahas Hidhayath, and Rishi Sivakumar’s Thottam, where he shares the screen with Keerthy Suresh.
Arjun Ashokan, meanwhile, is gearing up for the release of Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies, an action-oriented sports comedy directed by debutant Adhvaith Nayar. The film also stars Roshan Mathew, Vishak Nair and Ishan Shoukath and is slated to arrive in theatres on January 22.
Lukman Avaran was last seen in Athi Bheekara Kaamukan, co-directed by Gautham Thaniyil and CC Nithin, further reinforcing his streak of experimental choices.
With such varied projects across the cast, Disco feels like a meeting point of multiple creative journeys. While it is still too early to predict its tonal direction, the combination of a young filmmaker finding his footing and a group of actors eager to stretch themselves suggests a film that could surprise in more ways than one.
