fter quietly building curiosity since its initial announcement, the upcoming collaboration between Jayasurya and Jithin K Jose now has an official title. The film has been christened Mayan – Chapter 1, signalling what could potentially be the beginning of a larger, chapter-based narrative.
The project was formally launched with a traditional pooja ceremony in Kochi on Thursday, attended by the cast and crew. The ceremonial start aligns with the film’s rooted thematic undertones, even as it promises to explore darker, more mysterious territory.
While the makers have not revealed much about the story, the title itself hints at myth, mysticism and layered storytelling. The addition of “Chapter 1” suggests that the narrative may extend beyond a single film, positioning Mayan as a potentially expansive cinematic universe.
A familiar team, a new canvas
The film brings together a mix of familiar collaborators and fresh faces. Alongside Jayasurya, the cast includes Nyla Usha, Vijay Babu, Niranjana Anoop and Jibin Gopinath, who gained attention with Dies Irae.
On the writing front, Jithin has teamed up with veteran filmmaker Raffi to shape the screenplay. The collaboration is an interesting blend of new-age storytelling sensibilities and seasoned commercial insight, which could play a crucial role in balancing the film’s genre ambitions.
Notably, Mayan – Chapter 1 also reunites Jithin with his core technical crew from Kalamkaval. Cinematographer Faisal Ali, music director Mujeeb Majeed and editor Praveen Prabhakar return, suggesting a continuity in visual and tonal approach. Given how atmosphere-driven thrillers rely heavily on craft, this reunion could prove to be a major strength.
The film is produced by Rajeev Govindan under the banner Magic Moon Productions.
Whispers of black magic and ritual
Though officially under wraps, early industry chatter indicates that Mayan – Chapter 1 may delve into the realm of black magic, with references to the Karuthachan Oottu ritual adding a layer of cultural specificity. If these reports hold true, the film could tap into folklore and belief systems that remain largely unexplored in mainstream Malayalam cinema.
For Jayasurya, the project fits into a phase where he appears keen on experimenting with genre and scale. The actor was last seen in the blockbuster Aadu 3: One Last Ride – Part 1 and has an interesting slate ahead. Among his upcoming films is the ambitious fantasy entertainer Kathanar: The Wild Sorcerer, along with an untitled project directed by Prince Joy. He is also set to headline Operation Tral, marking Ratheesh Vega’s directorial debut, which is being planned as a pan-India military actioner.
With Mayan – Chapter 1, Jayasurya seems to be stepping into yet another distinct space, one that blends mystery with rooted cultural elements. For Jithin K Jose, the film represents a step forward after Kalamkaval, giving him a broader canvas to explore genre storytelling.
If the title and early buzz are anything to go by, Mayan – Chapter 1 is shaping up to be more than just a conventional thriller. It is a project that hints at scale, mythology, and an unfolding narrative that could extend well beyond its first chapter.
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