Varavu – Sania Iyappan Introduced as Lisha Ahead of July Release
Varavu – The team behind director Shaji Kailas’ upcoming Malayalam action-survival thriller Varavu has unveiled the first-look poster of Sania Iyappan from the film. The poster introduces her as Lisha, adding another character detail ahead of the movie’s theatrical arrival on July 16, 2026. The film features Joju George in the central role.
Production house shares Lisha’s first-look poster
Olga Productions announced Sania Iyappan’s character through its social-media platform, describing Lisha as someone whose expressions convey much more than words. The production banner also confirmed that Varavu will reach cinemas on July 16. The announcement has drawn attention from Malayalam cinema audiences who have been following the film’s promotional campaign.
Release moved from June to July
Varavu had initially been planned for a June 12 release. However, the producers later said the date had been changed because of unforeseen circumstances. At the time, the team stated that the decision was taken to ensure audiences receive the film in the intended form and thanked viewers for their continued support.
The makers have now finalised July 16 as the new release date, ending speculation around when the film would arrive in theatres.
Trailer points to a revenge-driven story
The trailer indicates that Varavu revolves around Paulson, played by Joju George, a murder convict who is released on a 10-day parole. His return appears to unsettle several people connected to his past, as they fear he may settle old scores.
The promotional video suggests that Paulson’s family history and unresolved betrayals form an important part of the narrative. A photograph of his family, including his brother and sister, is shown early in the trailer, setting a tense emotional backdrop for the events that follow.
Police officers in the trailer are seen discussing the danger surrounding Paulson’s parole. Their concern grows as several people are reportedly hospitalised, while investigators struggle to obtain statements from those involved. The film appears to contrast personal revenge with the limits imposed by the law.
Sukanya plays Paulson’s elder sister
Veteran actor Sukanya returns to Malayalam cinema with Varavu and plays Paulson’s elder sister, a nun. The trailer portrays her as the person with the strongest influence over him. She urges him not to act on the anger he has carried for years, giving the story an emotional dimension beyond its action scenes.
Paulson also faces Yohan, played by Abhimanyu Thilakan, who appears to take responsibility for stopping him. Their confrontation is expected to be one of the film’s major dramatic threads.
Large ensemble and experienced technical team
Varavu is produced by Reji Prothasis and Nicey Reji under Olga Productions, with Jomy Joseph serving as co-producer. The screenplay has been written by A.K. Sajan, whose previous work includes Chinthamani Kolacase, Red Chillies and Drona.
The supporting cast includes Arjun Ashokan, Babu Raj, Vinci Aloysius, Ashwin Kumar, Biju Pappan, Bobby Kuryan, Azeez Nedumangad, Sreejith Ravi, Deepak Parambol, Kottayam Ramesh, Balaji Sharma, Chali Pala and Radhika Radhakrishnan.
S. Saravanan has handled cinematography, while Shameer Mohammed is the editor. Sabu Ram is in charge of art direction, with makeup by Saji Kattakada and costumes designed by Sameer Sanish. The action sequences have been choreographed by Anup Arivu, Stunt Silva, Kai Kingston, Jacky Johnson, Phoenix Prabhu and Kanal Kannan.