Continuing its slate of compelling Malayalam stories, Zee 5 Global is set to bring audiences Varavu, an intense action thriller premiering exclusively on 11th September 2026. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Shaji Kailas and produced by Naisy Reji, the film stars Joju George in the lead, alongside Arjun Ashokan, Murali Gopy, Vani Viswanath, Saniya Iyappan, Deepak Parambol, Baiju Santhosh, Baburaj, Sukanya, Vincy Aloshious, Bobby Kurian and Azees Nedumangad, among others. Mounted on a large scale, the film is backed by producer Naisy Reji, whose support made the ambitious production possible, while writer A.K. Sajan’s excellent script brings the film’s intense world and characters to life. Set against the rugged backdrop of Kerala’s high ranges, Varavu explores family, revenge and long-standing rivalries as one man’s return threatens to reopen wounds that were never truly healed.
At the heart of Varavu is Polachan aka Poly, played by Joju George, who returns to his hometown after serving a prison sentence. His homecoming is far from peaceful, as old rivalries and unresolved conflicts begin to surface. With his younger brother Willi having gone missing years earlier, Poly is drawn into a search for answers that soon turns into a personal battle for justice and revenge. As powerful people in the town become entangled in the mystery, Poly must confront the past and those responsible for tearing his family apart.
The film marks the first collaboration between Joju George and Shaji Kailas, bringing together one of Malayalam cinema’s acclaimed actors with a filmmaker known for his action-driven commercial entertainers. Speaking about the opportunity to work with Shaji Kailas, Joju George had earlier shared that he had once watched the sets of Valyettan from outside as a junior artist and considers it a blessing to now be part of a Shaji Kailas film. He also described the filmmaker’s work as part of the “big commercials” he grew up watching.
Speaking about Varavu, Shaji Kailas, Director, said, “Varavu is an action-packed film built around a simple man’s family story, where revenge becomes an important part of his journey. I wanted to tell this story in my own style while bringing a strong action element to it. Joju is a phenomenal actor and has many different shades as a performer. For this film, I wanted to explore his action side and make the most of his intensity on screen. Working with him was a wonderful experience, and I believe audiences will enjoy seeing him in this action-driven avatar."
