This Onam season, gear up for a gripping sports saga that blends raw energy, cultural depth, and powerful storytelling. Balti is a Malayalam–Tamil bilingual film that dives deep into the world of kabaddi, led by the fierce performance of Shane Nase igam in his milestone 25th film. Set in the rustic borderlands of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Balti is more than a sports film, it’s a story of pride, rivalry, resilience, and redemption.
Summary
Title: Balti (2025)
Genre: Sports, Action, Thriller
Languages: Malayalam, Tamil
Theatrical Release: August 29, 2025 (Onam Festival)
Lead Actor: Shane Nigam
Female Lead: Preethi Asrani
Villain: Alphonse Puthren as Soda Babu
Director: Unni Sivalingam
Music: Sai Abhyankkar
Production: STK Frames, Binu Alexander George Productions
A Perfect Onam Release On August 29, 2025
Balti is officially slated for a worldwide theatrical release on August 29, 2025, perfectly timed with Onam, Kerala’s most celebrated harvest festival. With families gathering, theaters packed, and cultural pride at its peak, Balti aims to be the cinematic centerpiece of this festive season.
Onam is not just about celebration, it’s about unity, strength, and tradition. These values echo deeply in Balti, making the release both symbolic and strategic.
Star Cast
Shane Nigam as Udhayan
A fearless kabaddi star with a turbulent past. This marks a physically intense and emotionally complex role in Shane’s career.
Preethi Asrani
Plays a strong female lead with a personal stake in the outcome of Udhayan’s journey.
Shanthnu Bhagyaraj
Adds a Tamil sensibility to the plot with a pivotal supporting role.
Alphonse Puthren as Soda Babu
The acclaimed director (Premam, Neram) makes his acting debut as the film’s main antagonist — a volatile, street-born gangster with unpredictable fury.
Real kabaddi athletes from national and state teams appear throughout the match sequences to ensure authenticity and realism.
