Thiagarajan Kumararaja’s Pocket Novel has completed filming, marking a significant step towards the filmmaker’s return to the big screen. The director, best known for the cult favourites Aaranya Kaandam and Super Deluxe, is making his third feature film, bringing together Vijay Sethupathi and an ensemble cast that includes Raj B Shetty, Malavika Mohanan and Kishore. The film also marks Kumararaja’s first feature directorial since Super Deluxe, which was released in 2019, following his work on the anthology series Modern Love: Chennai.
The completion of the shoot brings the film closer to its next phase of production, although the makers are yet to announce a release date. With a cast featuring performers from different film industries and Ilaiyaraaja composing the music, Pocket Novel has emerged as one of the projects to watch out for as Kumararaja returns to feature filmmaking.
Vijay Sethupathi and Thiagarajan Kumararaja reunite after Super Deluxe
Pocket Novel was first announced in February 2026, with Kumararaja and Vijay Sethupathi set to collaborate once again after their acclaimed 2019 film Super Deluxe. That film, which brought together multiple intersecting storylines and an eclectic ensemble, remains a defining entry in both their filmographies. Their reunion has consequently generated interest, particularly given Kumararaja’s relatively selective approach to feature filmmaking.
The film’s title was subsequently revealed, along with the announcement of Raj B Shetty, Malavika Mohanan and Kishore as members of the cast. The combination brings together actors with distinct screen identities and experience across Kannada, Malayalam and Tamil cinema. While details about their respective characters and the film’s plot remain under wraps, the casting adds another layer of curiosity to the project.
Ilaiyaraaja has been roped in to compose the music, reuniting with Kumararaja after Modern Love: Chennai. The anthology series, which featured six stories set in the city, offered the filmmaker an opportunity to explore different shades of contemporary relationships. His collaboration with the veteran composer on Pocket Novel marks another meeting of two artists whose work has occupied distinctive places in Tamil cinema.
As with his previous feature films, Kumararaja has kept much of the narrative under wraps. The title offers little indication of the story, and the makers have yet to reveal a detailed synopsis. For now, the reunion with Sethupathi and the eclectic cast remain the most prominent talking points surrounding the film.
Andrew Louis pens the screenplay as Kumararaja takes on production duties
Pocket Novel brings another filmmaker into the creative mix, with Andrew Louis, the creator of the crime thriller series Vadhandhi, credited with the story and screenplay. Known for his work in the crime and thriller space, Louis brings a different storytelling background to a project directed by a filmmaker whose features have frequently explored unconventional narratives and morally complex characters. Whether the collaboration signals a shift in Kumararaja’s approach remains to be seen.
The technical team includes cinematographer Nirav Shah, editor Sathyaraj Natarajan, art director V Shanmugaraja and stunt choreographer Dhilip Subbarayan. Ezhilmathy, who is co-producing the film, also serves as its costume designer. Sathyaraj Natarajan has an additional responsibility as executive producer, making his involvement extend beyond the editing room.
Kumararaja is producing Pocket Novel alongside SD Ezhilmathy under the Tyler Durden and Kino Fist banner. The production setup places the director in a key role both behind the camera and in overseeing the film’s development.
Since the release of Super Deluxe, Kumararaja has remained an intriguing presence in Tamil cinema, with audiences awaiting his next feature-length work. His films have often resisted conventional narrative structures, combining dark humour, social observation and unexpected turns. The completion of Pocket Novel’s shoot now brings that long-awaited return a step closer.
With post-production details and a release date yet to be announced, the film’s next update is likely to offer a clearer picture of what Kumararaja has been working on. Until then, the reunion with Vijay Sethupathi, the addition of Andrew Louis to the writing team and Ilaiyaraaja’s music provide plenty of reasons for anticipation.
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