Raja Krishna Menon has commenced work on his first Tamil film, an untitled psychological horror drama starring Trisha Krishnan, Radhika Sarathkumar and Aparna Balamurali in pivotal roles. Principal photography for the project has begun in London.
Produced by Panorama Studios in association with Locomotive Global, the upcoming film marks a significant new chapter in Menon’s career as he ventures into both Tamil cinema and the psychological horror genre.
Menon explores a new genre
Menon, known for films such as Airlift, Chef and Pippa, is taking a different creative direction with his latest project.
Unlike several of his earlier films that explored high-stakes real-world dramas and historical settings, the new film is centred on psychological horror and has an entirely female-led narrative.
The filmmaker described himself as “genre agnostic” while discussing his decision to take on the project. He said the film represents a first for him in several ways, including his first Tamil-language film, his first psychological horror project and his first story centred entirely around women.
The director said the opportunity to explore a new language, genre and storytelling perspective made the project particularly exciting.
Trisha, Radhika and Aparna lead the cast
The film brings together three prominent actors from different generations of Indian cinema.
Trisha Krishnan, one of the leading names in Tamil cinema, will headline the project alongside veteran actor Radhika Sarathkumar. Aparna Balamurali, who has earned critical acclaim and won a National Award, completes the principal trio.
Menon expressed his enthusiasm about collaborating with the three actors and the wider cast and crew.
He described working with Trisha, Radhika and Aparna as a privilege and said their involvement had added to his excitement about the new cinematic journey.
The combination of the three performers is expected to be one of the major attractions of the project, particularly given the film’s focus on women and its psychological narrative.
Story details kept under wraps
The makers have so far kept the plot of the film largely confidential.
While the exact storyline and characters have not been revealed, the project has been described as a psychological horror drama driven by atmosphere, tension and character development.
The film is reportedly being designed to rely on psychological tension and an unsettling atmosphere rather than depending primarily on conventional jump scares.
This approach could allow the narrative to explore fear through character experiences and emotional conflicts, while giving the three principal actors substantial scope to drive the story.
Further details about the title, supporting cast and plot are expected to be revealed as production progresses.
Panorama Studios enters Tamil cinema
The project is also significant for Panorama Studios, as it marks the production house’s first Tamil venture.
The company has been expanding its presence across South Indian cinema, and the collaboration with Menon represents its entry into Tamil-language filmmaking.
The film is being produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, Sundar Aaron, Vikas Sharma and Amit Dalmia.
Menon credited the production teams with supporting his creative vision and allowing the project to develop without compromising the story.
He particularly acknowledged Panorama Studios and Kumar Mangat Pathak for their support during the development process.
The filmmaker also praised Vikas Sharma and Sundar Aaron of Locomotive Global for sharing the commitment to presenting the story in the way it was intended.
London schedule underway
Principal photography has now commenced in London, beginning the production phase of the untitled project.
The choice of an international location adds another element of intrigue to the film, although the makers have not disclosed whether London forms an integral part of the story or is primarily being used as a filming location.
With filming officially underway, additional announcements regarding the project are expected in the coming months.
The production will bring together a crew working across different departments under Menon’s direction, with the filmmaker overseeing his first Tamil-language project.
A new phase for Raja Krishna Menon
Menon’s career has been marked by his willingness to explore different genres and subjects.
Airlift presented a dramatic account inspired by a major evacuation operation, while Chef explored relationships and personal reinvention through a lighter narrative. Pippa took him into the territory of wartime drama.
His latest project represents another departure, this time towards psychological horror.
The director’s decision to describe the film as another step in his “genre agnostic” journey reflects his willingness to move between different storytelling formats rather than remain associated with a single genre.
The Tamil project also gives him an opportunity to work within a new film industry and collaborate with actors who have established careers in Tamil cinema.
Women at the centre of the narrative
One of the defining features of the upcoming film is its focus entirely on women.
Menon has highlighted this aspect as one of the major reasons the project is personally significant to him.
The central narrative being built around three female characters, played by Trisha, Radhika and Aparna, gives the film an opportunity to explore psychological themes through their individual perspectives.
Details of their characters remain undisclosed, leaving the nature of their relationships and the circumstances surrounding the horror elements open to speculation until the makers release more information.
What to expect next
With production now underway in London, the film is gradually moving towards its next stage.
The makers are yet to announce an official title, release date or complete cast details. They have also not revealed whether the film will have a theatrical release or follow another distribution strategy.
For now, the combination of Menon’s genre shift, a women-led psychological horror narrative and the casting of Trisha Krishnan, Radhika Sarathkumar and Aparna Balamurali has generated interest.
The project brings together an experienced filmmaker and three performers from different stages of their careers, while also marking Panorama Studios’ first Tamil production.
As filming continues, audiences can expect more details about the characters, story and eventual release plans to emerge.