‘Innocent’ second look poster: Satheesh Thanvi evokes nostalgia in the Althaf Salim, Anarkali Marikar-starrer

The second look poster of the Malayalam movie Innocent has been released, and judging by the poster, promises to deliver fun-filled comedy entertainment. Starring Althaf Salim and Anarkali Marikar, the poster recreates the iconic Thalathil Dineshan-Shobha pose from the 1989 cult-classic Vadakkunokkiyantram (originally portrayed by Sreenivasan and Parvathy Jayaram), evoking nostalgia among fans.

Directed by Satheesh Thanvi in his feature debut, the story is by Shihab Karunagappilly with screenplay and dialogues penned by Shihab, Satheesh Thanvi, and Sarji Vijayan. The film is also the Malayalam debut of Tanzanian influencer Kili Paul, who drew a large crowd when he appeared at Lulu Mall for the film’s title launch. He steps into the role of Unniyettan in the movie.

The supporting cast includes Joemon Jyothir, Azees Nedumangad, and Anna Prasad. On the technical front, the cinematography is handled by Nikhil S. Praveen, editing by Riyas K. Badhar, and music by Jay Stellar with lyrics penned by Vinayak Sasikumar.

Althaf and Anarkali were previously seen together in 2023’s Mandakini in which their natural acting, comic timing and great screen chemistry received praise.

Althaf Salim, aside from his acting, is also a director, debuting in the 2017 tragicomedy movie Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela, and his next venture Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira, starring Fahadh Faasil and Kalyani Priyadarshan is set to release this year. Anarkali Marikar made her debut in the 2016 coming-of-age movie Aanandam and is set to play a part in the upcoming Malayalam zombie movie Vala.

It is unclear whether the film will explore similar themes of insecurity, relationships or psychological drama like that of Vadakkunokkiyantram, but the deliberate homage in the poster hints that the films will draw on similar beats, although reimagined to suit a modern, humorous tone.

Entertainment