Malayalam actor Dileep officially launched his upcoming feature film, tentatively titled D 153, alongside director Ullas Krishna during a pooja ceremony in Alappuzha on October 19.

The formal commencement marks a fresh chapter for the veteran actor, drawing considerable interest from cinema enthusiasts who have been closely monitoring his career trajectory. For weeks, industry observers and dedicated fans of Malayalam cinema wondered what creative path Dileep would take next. The official event in Alappuzha confirmed his partnership with Krishna, instantly setting off waves of speculation across regional film circles about what the duo intends to deliver.

The Enigma Behind The Investigation Begins

While the production crew has opted to keep the ultimate title under wraps, the promotional invitations distributed for the event carried an enticing clue: “The investigation begins.” This single phrase has ignited intense curiosity regarding whether the narrative centers on an intricate procedural, a gritty detective chronicle, or a deceptive psychological puzzle. Despite the tantalizing hint, the production team has guarded the core screenplay tightly, deliberately withholding explicit plot details, character descriptions, and genre confirmations.

For Krishna, this high-profile endeavor serves as his second venture behind the camera following his 2024 directorial debut, Pushpaka Vimanam. That initial project, an unconventional fantasy action comedy featuring Siju Wilson and Balu Varghese, demonstrated the filmmaker’s distinctive storytelling voice. Although Pushpaka Vimanam had not received much attention during its theatrical release, the responses from viewers who experienced it were mostly positive. Teaming up with an established heavyweight like Dileep significantly elevates Krishna’s platform, prompting audiences to question how his offbeat directorial instincts will harmonize with Dileep’s prominent screen presence.

Anticipation Surrounding Neekkam and dileep’s Slate

The kickoff of D 153 arrives at a pivotal moment, as Dileep concurrently prepares audiences for the arrival of Neekkam, an emotional thriller cataloged as D 152. Directed by debutant filmmaker Jagan Shaji Kailas—the son of veteran action director Shaji Kailas—the project represents another intriguing turn in the actor’s repertoire. Scripted by Vibin Balachandran, Neekkam features an ensemble that includes female lead Veena Nandakumar alongside established performers Siddique, Binu Pappu, and Kalabhavan Shajohn.

Visual previews for Neekkam have already piqued public intrigue. The film’s first-look poster and promotional teaser, unveiled in April 2026, carried the contemplative tagline “Beyond Destiny.” A subsequent look released in August heightened intrigue further by presenting Dileep in an aged aesthetic. By transitioning from that mature, dramatic role straight into the mysterious territory signaled by D 153, the actor seems deliberately focused on subverting audience expectations with challenging, narrative-driven roles.

Seeking Redemption After Bha.Bha.Ba.

The intense spotlight on Dileep’s current project selections follows the polarized critical and commercial trajectory of his previous outing, Bha.Bha.Ba. Helmed by director Dhananjay Shankar, that production carried massive mainstream expectations and even featured a cameo appearance from superstar Mohanlal. However, the over-the-top comedy faced severe headwinds upon arrival, leaving moviegoers and critics notably split over its unorthodox tone and disjointed narrative structure.

Reflecting the divided reception, critics pointed out fundamental structural flaws in how that feature unfolded on screen, noting that its creative choices struggled to hold together:

The film, directed by Dhananjay Shankar, and written by husband-wife actor duo Fahim Safar and Noorin Shereef, is confused in its storyline, scripting and making, even though there is a disclaimer to leave logic at the door.

Given the mixed response to that high-energy comedy, fans and industry watchers are intensely curious to see how Dileep navigates his current slate. With Neekkam promising an emotionally charged thriller and D 153 hinting at investigative tension, the actor appears to be pivoting toward stories grounded in suspense and craft. As cameras begin rolling in Alappuzha, the industry waits to see what secrets Krishna and Dileep will uncover under the banner of their investigative mystery.