Chennai, July 14 — In a dramatic shift from his directorial legacy, filmmaker Alphonse Puthren has stepped into the spotlight as an actor, portraying a ruthless gangster named Soda Babu in the teaser for Balti, Shane Nigam’s 25th film. The character reveal, released on Sunday, has taken social media by storm, showcasing Puthren in a gritty, salt-and-pepper look that marks a stark departure from his previous romantic and slice-of-life narratives.
Directed by debutant Unni Sivalingam, Balti is a high-octane sports action drama set in the intense world of kabaddi. Shane Nigam stars as Udhayan, a kabaddi player whose journey is expected to explore themes of ambition, betrayal, and redemption. The film has been shot across rural locales in Coimbatore, Palakkad, and Pollachi, and features a bilingual release in Malayalam and Tamil.
Puthren’s character, Soda Babu, is introduced as a cold-blooded gangster operating in the shadows of the kabaddi circuit. The teaser highlights his violent persona, earning him the nickname “psycho butterfly.” Dressed in flashy silk shirts and formal trousers, Puthren’s transformation has been widely praised for its boldness and unpredictability.
The ensemble cast includes Preethi Asrani and Shanthnu Bhagyaraj, alongside real-life national and state-level kabaddi athletes, adding authenticity to the film’s sporting sequences. Music for Balti is composed by Sai Abhyankkar, marking his Malayalam debut. Known for his dynamic work in Tamil cinema and viral indie tracks, Abhyankkar’s score is expected to amplify the film’s emotional and physical intensity.
Produced by Santosh T Kuruvilla under STK Frames, in association with Binu Alexander George, Balti blends sport, violence, and emotionally charged storytelling. With Onam festivities approaching, the film is poised to be a standout release, and Puthren’s unexpected acting turn has only heightened anticipation.
