The makers of Pocket Novel have announced the film’s theatrical release date, confirming that the Vijay Sethupathi and Malavika Mohanan-starrer will arrive in cinemas on January 14. Directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja, the film will join the upcoming Pongal release lineup, placing it alongside several other anticipated Tamil projects.
The film marks Vijay Sethupathi’s reunion with Thiagarajan after their 2019 collaboration, Super Deluxe. Dhilip Subbarayan, Raj B Shetty and Kishore are also part of the principal cast. Pocket Novel is the filmmaker’s fourth directorial venture and has generated interest for bringing together an ensemble of performers under his direction.
One of the notable developments since the film’s announcement has been a change in its music department. Ilaiyaraaja was initially announced as the composer for Pocket Novel. However, the makers subsequently confirmed that GV Prakash Kumar would be handling the music. This will mark his first collaboration with Thiagarajan Kumararaja.
The date is set for Thiagarajan Kumararaja’s #PocketNovel. Pages are turning this Pongal 🔥 #PocketNovelTheFilm #ThiagarajanKumararaja @VijaySethuOffl @MalavikaM_ @gvprakash @RajbShettyOMK #ActorKishore @dhilipaction @tylerdurdenand1 #NiravShah @andrewxvasanth https://t.co/FkHW11pXOL
— Tyler Durden And Kino Fist (@tylerdurdenand1) November 6, 2026
Andrew Louis, known for creating Prime Video’s Vadhandhi, has penned the story and screenplay. The technical team includes cinematographer Nirav Shah, editor Sathyaraj Natarajan, art director V Shanmugaraja and costume designer Ezhilmathy. Dhilip Subbarayan, who is also part of the cast, is handling the stunt choreography. Sathyaraj Natarajan additionally serves as an executive producer. Thiagarajan Kumararaja is producing the project alongside SD Ezhilmathy under the Tyler Durden and Kino Fist banners.
A Busy Pongal Release Calendar
With its January 14 release, Pocket Novel joins a growing list of Tamil films targeting the Pongal festive season. Ajith Kumar’s racing documentary The Gladiators, Pa Ranjith’s next directorial Vettuvam and VJ Siddhu’s directorial and acting debut Dayangaram are among the other projects lined up for the occasion.
Several additional films could also arrive in theatres during the festive window. These include Sundar C and Vishal’s Purushan, Sivakarthikeyan’s Seyon, Kamal Haasan’s Indian 3, Vikram’s Power House and Arulnithi’s Demonte Colony 3. However, their final release schedules are yet to be confirmed.
The potential lineup makes Pongal an important release window for Tamil cinema, with films featuring some of the industry’s biggest names competing for theatrical space. Pocket Novel’s January 14 arrival also gives audiences an opportunity to see Vijay Sethupathi and Thiagarajan Kumararaja collaborate again after their acclaimed previous outing.
For the filmmaker, the project follows a distinctive body of work that includes Aaranya Kaandam and Super Deluxe, both noted for their unconventional storytelling. The reunion with Vijay Sethupathi, coupled with a cast featuring Malavika Mohanan, Raj B Shetty and Kishore, makes Pocket Novel an interesting addition to the festive release calendar.
Also Read: Vijay Sethupathi’s Baththa Sets OTT Premiere Date After Theatrical Run
