Tovino Thomas is all set to take audiences on a fantastical romantic journey with Munpe, which has now completed filming. The makers announced the development on social media on Monday, bringing the latest update on a project that has kept its storyline largely under wraps since its announcement in 2024.
Directed by editor-turned-filmmaker Saiju Sreedharan, Munpe features newcomer Meghana Manoj as the female lead, with Vinay Forrt and Kiran Peethambaran essaying key supporting roles. The film is scripted by debutant Tina Thomas, who has penned what appears to be an unconventional take on romance, blending the emotional pull of a love story with fantastical elements.
Tovino had previously offered a glimpse into the film’s world, describing it as an “intense, fantastical love story that is out of this world”. The description, coupled with the film’s intriguing announcement poster, has fuelled curiosity about what the team has in store.
Tovino Thomas promises an out-of-this-world love story
Munpe was first announced in 2024 through a motion poster that hinted at a love story extending beyond the boundaries of ordinary reality. The visual featured Tovino standing within what appeared to be a cosmic wormhole, while a woman fell into its depths. Accompanying the image was the question, “To what extent will you go to get back the one you lost?”
The tagline suggested that the film could explore themes of separation, longing and the possibility of reclaiming a lost relationship across timelines. However, the makers have yet to disclose specific details about the plot, leaving the premise open to interpretation.
The film’s title and its science-fantasy imagery also set it apart from a conventional romantic drama. Whether the narrative involves alternate realities, time travel or another fantastical device remains to be seen. For now, the central question appears to be how far its protagonist is willing to go for love.
The technical team includes cinematographer Shinoz, while Rex Vijayan and Gichu Joy have composed the music. Saiju Sreedharan is also handling the editing, bringing his experience as one of Malayalam cinema’s established editors to his latest directorial venture.
With filming now complete, the project moves into its next phase. The makers have not yet announced a release date or revealed when audiences can expect the first substantial glimpse of the film.
Saiju Sreedharan reunites with familiar collaborators
Munpe marks Saiju Sreedharan’s latest step as a director following his debut feature, Footage, starring Manju Warrier. Before moving behind the camera, he established a reputation as an editor through several acclaimed Malayalam films, including Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Mayaanadhi, Kumbalangi Nights, Virus and Anjaam Pathiraa.
His experience across genres, from intimate dramas to thrillers, brings an interesting dimension to Munpe, particularly given its combination of romance and fantasy. The film also provides a prominent lead role for Meghana Manoj, who makes her debut as the female lead opposite Tovino.
The project is jointly produced by Tovino Thomas Productions, headed by the actor and his brother Tingston Thomas, Panorama Studios and Dolwin Kuriakose’s Theatre of Dreams. The latter production house previously backed Tovino’s investigative thriller Anweshippin Kandethum.
Meanwhile, Tovino has several projects lined up across different genres. He will next appear in a cameo in Amal Neerad’s multistarrer Bachelor Party D’eux. His upcoming slate also includes Muhsin Parari’s Gracias El Clasico, opposite Nazriya Nazim, and debutant Shilpa Alexander’s Avaran.
The actor is also set to collaborate with Guppy filmmaker Johnpaul George on another project, while Khalifa 2 – The Legacy, directed by Vysakh, is among his other anticipated ventures.
With Munpe now through its filming stage, attention will turn to its post-production progress and release plans. Given its promise of an unconventional romantic fantasy, the film offers Tovino an opportunity to explore a different cinematic space while introducing audiences to a new directorial vision from Saiju Sreedharan.
Also Read: Ten Years of Guppy: Why Tovino Thomas’ Thejus Varkey Still Endures
