Chidambaram’s Balan: The Boy Set for June Release After Cannes Selection

Chidambaram’s second directorial venture, Balan: The Boy, is officially set to release in theatres on June 19. The announcement comes shortly after the film was selected for the prestigious Marche du Film section at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.

While the makers have kept major plot details under wraps, the film is said to explore themes of identity, survival, and the emotional bond between a mother and son.

The screenplay has been co-written by Chidambaram and Jithu Madhavan, known for directing Romancham and Aavesham. Music for the film is composed by Sushin Shyam, continuing his successful collaboration with Chidambaram after Manjummel Boys.

The technical crew also includes cinematographer Shyju Khalid, editor Vivek Harshan, and production designer Ajayan Chalissery.

Produced by Venkat K Narayana under the KVN Productions banner along with Shailaja Desai Fenn’s Thespian Films, the film marks Chidambaram’s return to emotionally intense survival storytelling.

His debut feature Manjummel Boys, inspired by a real-life rescue incident at the Guna Caves, emerged as both a critical and commercial blockbuster, grossing over ₹240 crore worldwide and becoming one of Malayalam cinema’s highest-grossing films.