Neeraj Madhav and Althaf Salim’s Pluto Kicks Off With a Special Puja

Malayalam cinema continues to diversify its storytelling horizons, this time venturing into the intriguing world of science fiction comedy. On Thursday, actors Neeraj Madhav and Althaf Salim’s much-anticipated film, Pluto, was officially launched with a traditional pooja ceremony in Kochi. The event saw enthusiastic participation from the cast and crew, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting cinematic journey.
A Blend of Comedy and Sci-Fi
Pluto is written and directed by debutant filmmaker Niyas Muhammed, whose fresh voice aims to merge two contrasting genres—science fiction and comedy. While Malayalam cinema has previously seen unique experiments in blending genres, Pluto promises to stand out, combining quirky narrative elements with the relatable wit audiences have come to expect.
The film stars Neeraj Madhav, known for his charismatic screen presence and engaging roles, alongside Althaf Salim, who himself wears multiple hats as actor and director. Notably, the film also features popular comedy actor Aju Varghese and rising star Arsha Chandini Baiju, whose recent performance in Mukundan Unni Associates was critically acclaimed. With such a stellar ensemble, the anticipation surrounding Pluto is palpable.
Neeraj Madhav, fresh off his appearance in the JioHostar web series Love Under Construction opposite Gouri G Kishan, seems poised to explore yet another unconventional character, while Althaf Salim continues to juggle both acting and directing. Althaf’s directorial venture, Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira, starring Fahadh Faasil and Kalyani Priyadarshan, is gearing up for release this Onam, making it an eventful year for the multi-talented artist.
Behind the Scenes
The technical crew of Pluto also brings notable talent to the table. Cinematographer Sreeraj Raveendran is on board to visually bring alive the whimsical elements of the story, while editor Sanath Sivaraj will handle the crucial task of pacing the comedic and sci-fi narrative elements. The musical responsibility rests with Ashwin Aryan and Arcado, adding depth and vibrancy to the storytelling through their compositions.
Produced by Reju Kumar and Resmi Reju under Orchid Films International, the film also has Jayakrishnan RK serving as the executive producer. Orchid Films, known for backing unique concepts, has once again chosen an unconventional narrative, setting the stage for a potentially standout cinematic experience. The production house’s choice of a science fiction comedy indicates a promising leap into uncharted territory for mainstream Malayalam cinema, especially at a time when genre hybrids are finding significant audience appreciation.
With the project now officially rolling, the buzz around Pluto will undoubtedly grow, as fans eagerly await a glimpse into the imaginative world crafted by Niyas Muhammed. The film’s innovative concept and solid casting raise expectations, making it one of the exciting projects to look forward to in the coming year.
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