"A Soulful Tale of Humanity": Tovino Thomas and Kayadu Lohar on the Period Grandeur of Pallichattambi
The buzz around the upcoming Malayalam big-budget drama Pallichattambi is reaching a crescendo as it prepares for a five-language pan-India release on April 10, 2026. In a recent candid conversation, lead stars Tovino Thomas and Kayadu Lohar delved into the 1950s-inspired world created by director Dijo Jose Antony and shared why this film is a must-watch for families.
Produced by Noufael, Brijesh, Chanakya, Chaitanya, and Charan, the film promises a blend of intense action and deep-rooted human emotions.
Tovino Thomas: Transforming into a 1950s Powerhouse
For Tovino, Pallichattambi was a project years in the making. He waited for the right window to collaborate with Dijo Jose Antony after the director's success with Jana Gana Mana.
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The Physical Shift: To portray a hero capable of taking on formidable villains, Tovino abandoned his strict diet to gain significant weight. He complemented this "bulkier" look with a period-accurate hairstyle and mustache to embody the raw strength required for the role.
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The Philosophy: "The film is a fictional story set against the backdrop of 1950s Kerala," Tovino explained. "It’s not about imposing opinions; it’s about the soul of humanity. The message is simple—no one is superior or inferior."
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On Moving to Telugu: Despite his popularity in the Telugu states, Tovino remains selective. "I’ve had many discussions for Telugu projects, but nothing is finalized. I value the trust Malayalam producers place in me. I’m happy that Telugu audiences already embrace my Malayalam work on OTT platforms."
Kayadu Lohar: Beyond Glamour as 'Rebecca'
Following her work in Dragon, Kayadu Lohar views Pallichattambi as a pivotal milestone in her career.
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An Intellectual Role: "My character, Rebecca, isn't portrayed through a glamour lens. She is intellectual, rooted, and carries significant weight in the narrative," Kayadu shared.
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The Preparation: To tackle the language barrier, Kayadu attended intensive workshops for ten days before filming. While she initially dove into research, Director Dijo advised her to stick strictly to the script to maintain the character's unique essence.
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Working with Tovino: "Acting alongside Tovino was inspiring but nerve-wracking! His performance level is incredibly high, and I found myself learning something new from him every day on set."
A Film for All Generations
Both actors emphasized that Pallichattambi is a "beautiful emotional film" devoid of any hidden agendas or religious negativity. While it features a 1950s church setting, the team maintains that the socio-political struggles depicted are universal and would remain the same in any place of worship. Backed by a powerful score by Jakes Bejoy, the film aims to be a "clean" entertainer that families can enjoy together without restrictions.
