Ajaneesh Loknath makes Malayalam debut with Ananthan Kaad
In a significant move that bridges Kannada and Malayalam cinema, B. Ajaneesh Loknath—best known for the chart-topping score of Kantara—is set to compose music for a high-profile Malayalam project, Ananthan Kaad. The film marks a first for the seasoned composer in Malayalam cinema as the lead music director on a big-budget venture. The project is being shepherded by Murali Gopi, who has penned the screenplay for the movie, described as a grand-scale entertainer with a pan-Indiana cast and backdrop rooted in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
The project and its creative team
Directed and written with a vision by Murali Gopi, Ananthan Kaad brings together a powerhouse lineup of talent across linguistic borders. The cast includes a mix of veteran performers and rising stars, with Indrans, Murali Gopi, Sunil (from Pushp), Appani Sharath, Nikhil Vimal, Devi Mohan, Sagar Surya, Rejin Kasandra, Shanti Balachandran, Ajay, and Kannada actor Achyuth Kumar among others. The filmmakers have also welcomed several artistes from other languages as part of the ensemble, highlighting the project’s pan-Indian approach.
Production responsibilities are laid out under Ministudio’s banner, with S. Vinod Kumar producing the film. The collaboration promises a lush, imagistic canvas that blends Malayalam sensibilities with global storytelling techniques, all supported by a top-tier technical crew.
Musical vision rooted in Kantara’s success
Ajaneesh Loknath’s work on Kantara shook audiences worldwide with its earthy folk textures, rousing melodies, and cinematic drama. With Ananthan Kaad, the composer aims to translate that magic into a Malayalam palette, while embracing new sounds and experimental motifs suited to a big-budget adventure-drama. The music is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the film’s emotional arc, complementing Murali Gopi’s storytelling and the film’s expansive scenes.
Songs, score, and vocal arrangement
The creative team has confirmed that the musical backbone of Ananthan Kaad will blend both songs and a lush background score. Murali Gopi will contribute both lyrics and vocal work for portions of the score, with Loknath guiding the overall musical direction. The combination promises a soundtrack that can travel across languages, capturing the mood of a forested epic while anchoring itself in the realism of the Malayalam setting.
On-set aesthetics and locale
Set against the backdrop of Thiruvananthapuram and surrounding terrains, Ananthan Kaad promises a cinematic world that is rooted in a distinctly Kerala atmosphere while inviting international storytelling sensibilities. The teaser and first-look posters have already sparked curiosity on social media, signaling a calculated release plan aimed at creating widespread anticipation for a film that aspires to be a milestone in Malayalam cinema.
Behind the scenes: the crew
Beyond Loknath’s music, the film’s audio-visual landscape is shaped by a veteran crew. Cinematography is by S. Yuvi, with editing by Rohith V.S. Variath. The production design is led by Ranjith Kothari, and the action direction comes from AR. Shakti Saravanan. Visual effects are managed by Binojy Sadashivan. The sound team includes Vishnu P.C. for sound mixing and Arun S. Mani for additional sound design. Other credits feature Murali Gopi’s dual role as songwriter and vocalist, with makeup by Baiju S and wardrobe by Arun Manohar, among others, painting a picture of a well-coordinated big-budget venture.
What this means for Malayalam cinema
Ajaneesh Loknath’s Malayalam debut as a leading music principal for Ananthan Kaad underscores a broader trend: cross-pollination between regional film industries is intensifying, with top composers and actors collaborating on ambitious, language-agnostic projects. For fans of Kantara and for followers of Murali Gopi’s storytelling, the collaboration promises a fresh, resonant soundscape that respects Malayalam cinema’s idioms while expanding its auditory possibilities. As the film gears up for release, expectations are high that Ananthan Kaad will become a reference point for next-generation film music in South Indian cinema.
