Director Rajkumar Periasamy has clarified that ‘OM – Chapter 1: Udhiram – The Blood Wood’ will offer a complete narrative rather than leave its central story open for a sequel. Despite the ‘Chapter 1’ title, audiences should not assume that the upcoming Dhanush and Mammootty-starrer will end with an unfinished storyline. The filmmaker has explained that the first instalment will reach its own conclusion.The upcoming action drama features Dhanush and Mammootty in the lead roles, with Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela playing pivotal characters. During an interview with Cinema Vikatan, Rajkumar Periasamy discussed the film’s narrative structure, its interconnected characters and the elements that make it different from a conventional gangster drama.
‘OM – Chapter 1’ will not follow a serialized storyline
Rajkumar Periasamy addressed the expectations surrounding the film’s title and clarified that the word ‘Chapter 1’ does not necessarily point towards a direct continuation. According to the director, the story will be wrapped up within the first film itself.“The Chapter 1 in the title shouldn’t lead you to expect OM 2. This is not a serialised story, and the narrative will completely conclude and end within this chapter itself,” he said.
Director explains the interconnected characters and story
The filmmaker also spoke about how the different characters come together in the movie. Rather than following an isolated storyline centred on one individual, the narrative brings several people together for a common purpose. Their connections and the reason behind their association form the central mystery.“The movie plot is about all characters getting linked together for a particular cause. What’s the cause, and why are they getting linked together? That’s the story. Just like a tree with many branches, there are many sub-branches in the movie. OM is an action drama and an emotional film too, but the movie cannot be narrowly labelled as a ‘gangster’ drama.”
Mammootty’s character draws inspiration from Martin Scorsese films
Rajkumar Periasamy has also revealed an interesting influence behind Mammootty’s character. The actor’s role reportedly takes inspiration from migrant American characters portrayed in the films of acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese.This approach moves the character away from the familiar image of a conventional underworld don. The role is expected to have its own identity within the film’s wider network of characters. Apart from Dhanush and Mammootty, the movie features the ‘Ramayana’ actress Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela in important roles. According to the director, both actresses will explore characters that move beyond the screen personas audiences have associated with them. Sai Abhyankkar is composing the film’s songs and background score.
‘OM – Chapter 1’ and Mammootty’s upcoming film ‘Padayaatra’
‘OM – Chapter 1: Udhiram – The Blood Wood’ is scheduled to release in theaters on November 20, 2026. Directed by Rajkumar Periasamy, the film brings together Dhanush, Mammootty, Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela in pivotal roles.Meanwhile, Mammootty has another Malayalam project in the pipeline. He will headline ‘Padayaatra’, an upcoming drama directed by veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan. The movie is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 4, 2026.