Vijay Sethupathi’s Slum Dog 33 Temple Road First Look Reveals Dark, Raw Transformation

Actor Vijay Sethupathi has once again captured attention with a striking transformation, as the makers of his upcoming film Slum Dog 33 Temple Road unveiled its title and first-look poster. The reveal coincided with the actor’s birthday, making it a special moment for fans who were treated to a glimpse of one of his most intense on-screen avatars in recent years.

The first-look poster presents Sethupathi in a raw, ferocious form, instantly setting the tone for what promises to be a dark and hard-hitting cinematic experience. Sporting wild, unkempt hair and a thick beard, the actor is seen dressed in rugged, almost beggar-like attire, paired with boots and a flowing scarf. The image shows him wielding a massive sickle, while currency notes scatter through a mist-filled slum backdrop, visually reinforcing the film’s tagline, 33 Temple Road. The imagery hints at themes of survival, power, and rebellion emerging from the margins of society.

Directed by Puri Jagannadh, the film marks a notable collaboration between the filmmaker’s distinctive mass-oriented storytelling and Vijay Sethupathi’s reputation for immersive, character-driven performances. The project is jointly produced by Puri Connects and JB Motion Pictures, with the team confirming that shooting has been completed and the film has now moved into post-production.

Actress Samyuktha plays the female lead opposite Sethupathi, with her role described as emotionally significant to the narrative. The supporting cast further strengthens the project, featuring Tabu, Duniya Vijay, Brahmanandam, and VTV Ganesh in pivotal roles. Filming reportedly began in July last year, with major action blocks wrapped up by October, culminating in the completion of principal photography soon after.

The film’s music is composed by Harshavardhan Rameshwar, whose previous work in intense, character-driven films has raised expectations for a powerful background score. The makers have confirmed a multi-language theatrical release, with Slum Dog 33 Temple Road set to hit screens in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi, positioning it firmly as a pan-India offering.

According to the production team, the film is designed as a mass commercial entertainer, but one that retains emotional depth and narrative grit. They noted that the project blends Puri Jagannadh’s stylised aggression with Vijay Sethupathi’s commanding screen presence, creating a character that is both intimidating and layered. Samyuktha has also expressed satisfaction with her role, hinting that her character adds emotional weight to the story.

On the professional front, Vijay Sethupathi was last seen in Thalaivan Thalaivii and continues to juggle diverse projects across industries. He has also confirmed a cameo appearance in Jailer 2, starring Rajinikanth, further underlining his strong presence across South Indian and Hindi cinema.

With its arresting first look and pan-India ambitions, Slum Dog 33 Temple Road has already generated strong buzz, positioning itself as one of the most awaited gritty action dramas on the upcoming release slate.