NEW DELHI (India CSR): Amid a competitive slate of regional releases scheduled for early next year, the bilingual Tamil–Kannada film Irul Soozhum Iravinile (ISI) is steadily attracting attention. The upcoming horror-comedy, directed by G. Shivaram, places actor Siva G at the center of its narrative—an emerging performer known for his roles in Virugam and Oongi Adicha Ondra Ton Weightu Da. With ISI, Siva G steps into one of his most prominent lead roles to date, and the makers say the film is designed as a full-fledged commercial entertainer with a fresh angle.
Shot simultaneously in Tamil and Kannada, Irul Soozhum Iravinile is the third directorial venture of Shivaram, who previously gained recognition for his award-winning film OAOTW. According to the director, ISI blends horror elements with humor, romance, and mass-appeal storytelling—an approach that has proven successful for South Indian filmmakers in recent years. “It’s a pakka commercial horror comedy with romantic shades,” Shivaram notes, adding that the content is designed to be suitable for “all age groups.”
Siva G Leads the Bilingual Effort
At the heart of ISI is Siva G, whose growing visibility in regional cinema has helped the project gain early traction. Known for bringing a mix of rugged screen presence and comedic timing, Siva G is expected to anchor the film’s emotional and humorous beats while helping bridge the bilingual format. Shooting in both Tamil and Kannada requires careful modulation of performance, delivery, and comic rhythm—something the team believes Siva G handled with ease during production.
Industry observers say the actor has been gradually building a loyal audience base, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions where commercial entertainers thrive. With ISI positioning itself as a family-friendly horror comedy, the project could become an important release for Siva G at a time when bilingual ventures are increasingly seen as strategic for expanding market reach.
Supporting Cast Adds Depth
The film also features Rekha Ramesh, Nanda Gopal, Geetha, and several other performers from both industries. Though the makers have not revealed extensive details about the supporting characters, sources close to the production describe the casting as intentionally balanced, ensuring that every major actor gets substantial screen presence. This approach is especially relevant in horror comedies, where ensemble interactions often drive humor and suspense.
Director Shivaram himself appears in a significant role, a decision he attributes to the story’s requirements rather than a desire to be onscreen. Having previously acted in OAOTW, he says this film allowed him to contribute both behind and in front of the camera without compromising the workload in either department.
A Landmark for Stunt Master Violent Velu
Perhaps one of the most notable highlights of Irul Soozhum Iravinile is the involvement of stunt choreographer Violent Velu, who completes his 100th film with this project. Velu, long respected for his intense and grounded action design, brings a layer of mass appeal to the film—an important factor even in genres that lean more toward comedy and horror than raw action.
Although ISI is not positioned as an action-heavy film, commercial audiences in Tamil and Kannada markets often expect at least a handful of stylized sequences. The production team suggests that Velu’s contribution is substantial enough to give the film added momentum without overwhelming its comedic and supernatural elements.
Technical Crew Strengthens the Film’s Vision
The music for Irul Soozhum Iravinile is composed by Vishnuvardhan, whose score is expected to play a key role in shaping both the film’s eerie tone and its comedic timing. In horror comedies, music often dictates audience reaction—from building tension during supernatural encounters to punctuating lighter moments.
Editing is handled by Aravind JP, known for maintaining tight pacing in multi-genre narratives. Given ISI’s blend of romance, humor, suspense, and action, effective editing will be essential to maintaining coherence and keeping audiences engaged throughout its runtime.
Saibaba Pictures Backs the Project
The film is produced by M. Bala under the Saibaba Pictures banner, a production house that has gradually established a presence in mid-budget cinema. While not positioned among the region’s largest studios, Saibaba Pictures has consistently supported projects with a mix of commercial elements and narrative experimentation. ISI, with its bilingual format and genre-blending script, fits this mold.
According to production sources, the decision to make the film in both Tamil and Kannada was strategic, allowing the team to tap into two receptive markets without significantly increasing costs. With theatrical revenues still recovering across India, bilingual releases offer producers a wider safety net.
Digital Buzz and Release Timeline
One of the early indicators of the film’s reach is the performance of its first-look poster. The makers report that the poster has crossed 1.2 million views on ShareChat—a platform with strong rural and regional visibility. While early digital traction does not always translate into box-office performance, industry observers say it reflects positive curiosity, especially around Siva G and the film’s horror-comedy identity.
The teaser for Irul Soozhum Iravinile is scheduled for release in mid-December, and the film is slated for a theatrical release in March. Releasing ahead of the summer season could give the film strategic visibility, as family audiences tend to favor lighter, humor-driven content during that period.
A Promising Addition to the Genre
As horror comedies continue to maintain strong commercial presence in South Indian cinema, Irul Soozhum Iravinile positions itself as a potential crowd-pleaser. With Siva G leading the narrative, a seasoned stunt master marking a milestone, a director shifting into more commercial territory, and a bilingual strategy aimed at broad appeal, the film seems set to make a notable entry in early 2025.
For now, anticipation rests on the December teaser, which will offer the first extensive look at how the film blends horror, romance, and humor—a blend the makers believe will resonate across both Tamil and Kannada audiences.
(India CSR)
