Kochi: The makers of Nivin Pauly’s upcoming Malayalam film, tentatively titled NP 51, unveiled the actor’s first look on Sunday, October 11, coinciding with his birthday. The poster offers a glimpse of Nivin in a serious, understated avatar, building anticipation for the family entertainer directed by Nashid Famy.
In the newly released poster, Nivin is seen sporting a beard and wearing a cream-coloured T-shirt as he sits on a sofa holding a newspaper. His serious expression and the greenery visible outside the window create a relaxed yet intriguing setting, leaving audiences curious about his character in the film.
The project, which marks the Malayalam debut of Kannada actor Rukmini Vasanth, is being developed as a family entertainer blending humour and romance. Although it is currently referred to as NP 51, actor Jagadish had earlier indicated that the film’s official title would be Rom Com. However, an official confirmation of the title is still awaited.
The birthday reveal comes as Nivin continues to build his slate of upcoming projects following the success of Sarvam Maya, which also featured Aju Varghese.
Nivin Pauly’s new look creates curiosity
The first-look poster presents Nivin in a simple, everyday appearance rather than a conventional action-oriented or heavily stylised avatar. His beard, cream T-shirt and newspaper suggest a character rooted in an ordinary setting, though the makers have not disclosed further details about his role or the film’s storyline.
The poster’s understated presentation fits the project’s positioning as a family entertainer with elements of comedy and romance. More details about the narrative, the relationships between the principal characters and the film’s overall tone are expected to emerge as promotional activities progress.
The film is particularly anticipated because it brings together performers from different industries, with Rukmini Vasanth making her debut in Malayalam cinema. Her participation adds another dimension to the project, given her growing recognition among Kannada film audiences.
For Nivin, the film is one of several projects in different stages of development. The actor has been associated with a variety of genres throughout his career, and NP 51 offers another opportunity to explore a lighter, family-oriented story.
Rukmini Vasanth makes her Malayalam debut
Directed by Nashid Famy, NP 51 marks the Malayalam debut of Rukmini Vasanth, who gained recognition for her performances in the Sapta Sagaradaache Ello duology and Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1.
Rukmini’s entry into Malayalam cinema is one of the notable aspects of the project. Having established a presence in Kannada films, she now joins a Malayalam production led by Nivin Pauly, creating an opportunity for her to connect with a new audience.
Nashid Famy, who previously co-wrote the Malayalam comedy Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey, is making his directorial debut with the film. He has co-written the screenplay with Nidhin Nagesh.
The combination of an experienced lead actor, a performer making her Malayalam debut and a first-time director gives the project an interesting mix of familiar talent and new creative partnerships.
The film is being positioned as a family entertainer, with humour and romance forming key elements of its appeal. While the makers have yet to reveal extensive plot details, the genre suggests a focus on relationships and accessible comedy rather than a story driven exclusively by action or suspense.
Aju Varghese reunites with Nivin after Sarvam Maya
The supporting cast includes Aju Varghese, Jagadish, Kalaranjini and Ashokan.
Aju Varghese’s presence is particularly notable because he reunites with Nivin following their association with the 2025 blockbuster Sarvam Maya. The two actors have shared screen space in several projects over the years, and their pairing has become familiar to Malayalam cinema audiences.
Their reunion is expected to be one of the film’s attractions, particularly for viewers who enjoy comedy and character-driven entertainment. However, the makers have not yet revealed details about Aju’s character or the nature of his relationship with Nivin’s role in the new film.
Veteran performers Jagadish, Kalaranjini and Ashokan further strengthen the ensemble. Their inclusion complements the film’s family-entertainer positioning and brings together actors with considerable experience in Malayalam cinema.
Jagadish has also drawn attention to the proposed title Rom Com. Until the production team formally confirms it, however, NP 51 remains the working title used for the project.
Martin Prakkat, Pauly Jr Pictures and Green Room Productions back the film
The film is produced by Martin Prakkat under his namesake banner, alongside Nivin Pauly’s Pauly Jr Pictures and Siby Chavara and Renjith Nair of Green Room Productions.
Green Room Release is handling distribution. The technical crew includes composer Electronic Kili, cinematographer Bablu Aju and editor Kannan Mohan.
The collaboration brings together production companies associated with different aspects of Malayalam cinema, with the film being developed around a commercial, family-friendly concept.
The music and cinematography are expected to contribute to the film’s overall tone, while the editing will play an important role in balancing its romantic and comedic elements. Further details about the soundtrack, additional technical contributors and the film’s promotional campaign are yet to be announced.
The project also represents a new directorial venture for Nashid Famy. His earlier writing experience on Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey provides a background in comedy-driven storytelling, while NP 51 gives him the opportunity to lead a feature film as director.
NP 51 targets Vishu release in April 2027
Nivin Pauly had earlier indicated that the film is targeting a Vishu release in April 2027. The festival period is an important release window for Malayalam cinema, often attracting family audiences and providing an opportunity for major films to reach theatres during a holiday season.
The proposed release remains several months away, and the makers are yet to announce a confirmed date. The birthday poster serves as an early promotional step as the film moves towards its planned theatrical launch.
Meanwhile, Nivin has several other projects in different stages of production. These include Benz, featuring Raghava Lawrence and Ravi Mohan, and Dear Students, the long-delayed project in which he stars alongside Nayanthara.
His 50th film, Vijayam, is also among his upcoming projects. It reunites Nivin with director Alphonse Puthren, the filmmaker behind Neram and Premam.
With multiple projects lined up, Nivin has a busy period ahead. For now, the unveiling of his birthday look has brought NP 51 into focus, while the anticipated Vishu 2027 release and the possibility of an official title announcement are likely to keep audiences interested in the coming months.