Kochi: The first look of Manju Warrier’s upcoming Malayalam film Happiloop, featuring Mukesh and Kannada actor-director JP Thuminad in the lead, was unveiled by the makers on Wednesday through social media.
The film brings together a prominent Malayalam cast and JP Thuminad, who gained attention with the Kannada film Su From So. Directed by Anand Menen, Happiloop appears to be a warm and quirky family entertainer based on the tone of its first-look poster.
Playful family setting in first look
The first-look poster presents the principal cast in a relaxed and playful family setting. Manju Warrier is seen seated comfortably with her eyes closed and a smile on her face while listening to music through headphones.
She is shown leaning against JP Thuminad’s shoulder, creating an easygoing and affectionate moment between the two characters. Mukesh and the other members of the cast surround them in a series of quirky poses.
The visual gives the film a cheerful family-gathering atmosphere, although the makers have not yet revealed details about the characters or the storyline.
JP Thuminad joins Manju Warrier and Mukesh
Happiloop marks an interesting collaboration between established Malayalam performers and JP Thuminad, who has made a mark in Kannada cinema as an actor and filmmaker.
Thuminad was part of Su From So, a Kannada film that brought him wider attention. His inclusion alongside Manju Warrier and Mukesh adds to the curiosity surrounding the upcoming Malayalam project.
Manju Warrier, meanwhile, continues to take up varied roles across Malayalam cinema, while Mukesh remains a familiar face in Malayalam films with his long-standing career as an actor.
The combination of the three performers in Happiloop has generated interest, particularly with the first look suggesting a light-hearted narrative centred around family relationships and everyday situations.
Anand Menen returns with another comedy
Happiloop is directed by Anand Menen, who has previously helmed films including Gauthamante Radham and Vaazha: Biopic of a Billion Boys.
The filmmaker’s earlier works have explored humour, relationships and contemporary social situations, and Happiloop appears to continue that broad creative space.
The screenplay for the new film has been written by Ashiq Aimar. The writer has previously been associated with Madhuram and Kerala Crime Files Season 1.
While the plot of Happiloop remains under wraps, the first-look poster indicates a character-driven film with an emphasis on family interactions and humour.
Strong supporting cast
Apart from Manju Warrier, Mukesh and JP Thuminad, Happiloop features a sizeable ensemble cast.
Madhu Warrier, Anu, VK Prakash, Nishanth Sagar, Neeraja Rajendran and Athira Rajeev have been confirmed in prominent roles.
The presence of actors from different generations adds to the ensemble nature of the project. The first-look poster also places several of the characters together, reinforcing the impression that family and interpersonal relationships could play a significant role in the film.
However, the makers have not disclosed the individual character details so far.
Technical crew announced
Gautham Sankar is handling the cinematography of Happiloop, bringing his visual expertise to the project.
Kannan Mohan is responsible for the editing, while the music has been composed by Electronic Kili and Parvatish Pradeep. Parvatish Pradeep is also handling the background score.
The combination of cinematography, editing and music is expected to contribute to the film’s light and lively presentation suggested by its first look.
The film is being produced by Bineesh Chandra under the Movie Bucket banner.
Plot and release details awaited
Despite the unveiling of the first look, the makers have not yet disclosed the film’s storyline or revealed a release date.
The poster has nevertheless provided audiences with the first glimpse of the film’s principal cast and its playful visual tone. With Manju Warrier, Mukesh and JP Thuminad coming together under Anand Menen’s direction, Happiloop has already created curiosity among Malayalam and Kannada film audiences.
More details about the characters, plot, trailer and release plans are expected to be announced by the makers in the coming days.
For now, the first look establishes Happiloop as an ensemble film with a warm family setting and a promising mix of experienced Malayalam actors and younger talent.