Dhanush – Naseeruddin Shah Joins Rajkumar Periasamy’s Upcoming Film Om
Dhanush – Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has joined the cast of Om, director Rajkumar Periasamy’s upcoming film led by Dhanush and Mammootty. The announcement was made on Thursday by Wunderbar Films, Dhanush’s production banner, which described Shah’s arrival as a major addition to the project.
The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on October 16, 2026. Its title includes the phrase Chapter 1, suggesting that the makers may be planning the story as the opening part of a larger series.
Production House Announces Shah’s Casting
Wunderbar Films shared the update through its social media accounts, confirming that Naseeruddin Shah had become part of the film’s ensemble. The production house said the acclaimed actor would add further weight to the world being created for Om.
Shah is widely regarded as one of Hindi cinema’s most respected performers, with a career spanning mainstream films, independent cinema, theatre and television. His inclusion brings together actors from Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi cinema for the project.
Teaser Offers Glimpse of Red Sanders Conflict
A title teaser released earlier indicated that Om is set against the backdrop of red sanders smuggling and the lives of people who cut the wood for their livelihood. Dhanush is expected to play a woodcutter in the film.
The teaser showed police officers confronting workers accused of illegally cutting red sanders. In one of its central moments, the workers are held at gunpoint before Dhanush’s character steps in to protect them. The sequence hinted at a story involving law enforcement, forest-based livelihoods and a wider conflict surrounding the valuable timber.
While the makers have not yet disclosed the complete plot, the teaser has positioned the film as an action-driven drama with a grounded social setting.
One of Dhanush’s Largest Film Projects
At the title teaser launch, Wunderbar Films head Sreyas said Om would be among the biggest-budget productions of Dhanush’s career. He also said the film was intended to present the actor in a high-energy commercial role that many of his fans have been waiting to see.
Rajkumar Periasamy, known for directing Amaran, is helming the project. The film has attracted attention because of its scale, its cross-industry cast and the decision to build the title around a chapter-based format.
Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela Feature in Key Roles
Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela are also part of the cast, adding two prominent names from South Indian cinema to the project. Mammootty had been announced earlier as a major addition to the film.
When Mammootty joined the cast, Wunderbar Films welcomed him publicly and said it was honoured to have the Malayalam star on board. The actor’s presence has further strengthened expectations around the film’s ensemble.
The technical team includes music composer Sai Abhyankkar, cinematographer Ezhil Arasu, editor Kalaivanan R and costume designer Kavya Sriram.
R Take Studios Joins the Production
The film is being produced by Wunderbar Films in association with R Take Studios. R Take Studios announced its partnership with Dhanush’s banner only a few days before the latest casting update.
With Naseeruddin Shah now joining Dhanush, Mammootty, Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela, Om has assembled a cast featuring performers from several Indian film industries. Further updates on the film’s characters, shooting schedule and promotional plans are expected in the months leading up to its October 2026 release.