The Return of the Cult Visionary
In the world of Indian cinema, few names command as much reverent silence as Thiagarajan Kumararaja. Known for his meticulous craft and neo-noir sensibilities, the National Award-winning director has officially broken his hiatus. On February 16, 2026, the first look of his third feature film, titled “Pocket Novel,” was unveiled, signaling the start of production.
The announcement was amplified by fellow filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj, who shared the striking first-look poster, stating he was “super happy to present the First Look” of this highly anticipated project. The poster itself is a masterclass in minimalism and intrigue, featuring a vibrant red-and-black palette with a silhouette of a man falling through what looks like a paper-cut abyss.
A Powerhouse Cast and Crew
Thiagarajan Kumararaja has once again assembled an eclectic and formidable cast. Leading the pack is the “Makkal Selvan” Vijay Sethupathi, who previously collaborated with the director on the landmark film Super Deluxe. Joining him is the Kannada industry’s powerhouse performer Raj B. Shetty, making this a truly pan-South Indian collaboration.
The film also stars Malavika Mohanan and the versatile Kishore. However, the biggest “casting” coup arguably lies in the music department. The legendary Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja has been roped in to compose the score. Kumararaja has often spoken about his deep respect for the maestro, once stating in an interview:
“Ilaiyaraaja is often misunderstood. He is a very humble person, but people mistake his professionalism for something else. One should not waste his time or try to show off their intelligence to him.”
The Visual and Technical Blueprint
True to his style, Kumararaja is collaborating with top-tier technicians. The cinematography is spearheaded by Nirav Shah, ensuring that the film will have a distinct visual identity. The production is being handled under the director’s own banner, TDKF (Tyler Durden and Kino Fist), a name that reflects his love for cult cinema classics.
Fans are already dissecting the poster, which features the tagline “Shoot Begins.” The title Pocket Novel suggests a narrative that might be pulpy, contained, yet layered—much like the director’s previous works, Aaranya Kaandam and Super Deluxe.