Vels Film International has unveiled the first look and title of National Award winner Dhanush’s latest project, now officially titled Kara. Directed by Vignesh Raja, who garnered critical acclaim for the crime thriller Por Thozhil, the film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release in Summer 2026.
Set against the backdrop of the 1990s, Kara is described as an emotionally rooted thriller that traces the journey of a protagonist named Karasaami. The production involved an extensive 80-day shoot across Chennai, Ramanathapuram, and Kovilpatti, with the art department focusing on recreating the specific period aesthetic of the era. The screenplay is a collaborative effort between director Vignesh Raja and Alfred Prakash.
Mamitha Baiju has been cast as the female lead, marking her first on-screen pairing with Dhanush. The supporting ensemble features a robust lineup of industry veterans, including K.S. Ravikumar, Jayaram, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Karunas, and Prithvi Rajan. The technical crew includes composer G.V. Prakash Kumar, cinematographer Theni Eswar, and editor Sreejith Sarang.
Producer Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh expressed confidence in the project following a review of the rough cut. Kara possesses all the elements required to strike a powerful chord with audiences, Ganesh stated. The film is currently in the final stages of post-production. The studio also confirmed that Netflix has acquired the post-theatrical streaming rights. This release adds to Vels Film International’s ambitious 2026 slate, which also includes the Nayanthara starrer Mookuthi Amman 2.