‘Kakulstha Part 1’ announced; Asif Ali unveils first look; 'Ithihasa' writer Aneesh Lee Ashok helms the project

Malayalam cinema is gearing up for a grand fantasy spectacle with the announcement of ‘Kakulstha Part 1’, a film written and directed by Aneesh Lee Ashok, the mind behind the cult hit Ithihasa.

The film is planned as a multi-part series.

Asif Ali sets the tone with the magical first look

Actor Asif Ali who recently received a Special Jury mention at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards, unveiled the first look poster of Kakulstha Part 1 on social media.Sharing the poster, Asif Ali wrote, “Fantasy… but make it REAL ‘KAKULSTHA – PART 1’ First Look is here to blow your mind! From the writer of ITHIHASA – Aneesh Lee Ashok is back with a Universal Fantasy Saga! Diwali 2026 – The world will witness magic again!”

Who plays the lead in ‘Kakulstha Part 1’?

The lead actor’s identity remains undisclosed in the first look poster and the creators have promised a stellar cast featuring prominent Malayalam actors.

The movie is produced under the banner of Golden Pictures and has been described as a “universal, realistic fantasy-comedy”.

Poster teases a cosmic transformation

The first look poster depicts a celestial figure of a man suspended mid-air. He is seen glowing with radiant cosmic energy. The figure who is casually dressed in a red check shirt, jeans, and sneakers, seems to be undergoing a supernatural transformation. Surrounding him are floating everyday objects like a hat, scarf, mobile phone, and sunglasses, representing a sense of chaos, freedom, and otherworldly motion.

Fans react to 'Kakulstha Part 1' poster

Asif Ali's post was soon flooded with comments from fans who are all excited to know about the lead of the movie. One commented, "Who plays the lead?." Another one wrote, "Aneesh lee ashok is back!." A third one wrote, "So excited."