Santhosh Trophy: Not Prithviraj Sukumaran, Vaazha actor to star in lead role for Vipin Das directorial

Santhosh Trophy is the upcoming movie directed by GAN’s Vipin Das, which initially had Prithviraj Sukumaran as the lead.

By Goutham S

Published on Jun 05, 2026 | 01:02 PM IST | 802K

(PC: Prithviraj Sukumaran/Vipin Das, IG)

Santhosh Trophy was initially announced with a first-look poster featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead role. Now, it appears that the film has undergone a major change, with the actor stepping out of the project.

Santhosh Trophy: Vaazha actor Joemon Jyothir replaces Prithviraj Sukumaran

In a new post on social media, the makers of Santhosh Trophy unveiled a new poster for the film. Originally launched with Prithviraj Sukumaran as the lead, the makers have now replaced him and cast Vaazha actor Joemon Jyothir in the role.

Reportedly, Prithviraj had to step away from the project due to scheduling conflicts caused by the extended shoot of Khalifa, prompting the makers to opt for a new lead. While the actor has been replaced, the team clarified that the film has a “new face, but the same chaos.”

Here’s the post:

Initially, Prithviraj Productions was co-producing the project alongside Magic Frames. However, following the actor’s exit from the film, it appears that Supriya Menon has also stepped away from backing the project.

For those unaware, Joemon Jyothir previously co-starred with Prithviraj in Vipin Das’ directorial Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil. After his breakthrough role in Vaazha: Biopic of a Billion Boys, the actor went on to appear in several films, including Hello Mummy, Maranamass, Vyasanasametham Bandhumithradhikal, and more.

Apart from Joemon, the Santhosh Trophy is expected to feature 60 newcomer actors in its cast.

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s work front

Prithviraj Sukumaran will next be seen on the big screen in I, Nobody. The upcoming heist action thriller stars Parvathy Thiruvothu as the co-lead, alongside Hakkim Shahjahan, Ashokan, Vijayaraghavan, Madhupal, Shankar Ramakrishnan, Nakshathra, Aira, Nishanth Sagar, and others in key roles.

Directed by Rorschach fame Nisam Basheer, the film follows Rajeevan, an ordinary man with a wife and daughter. However, when he becomes the central figure in a bank heist, a mystery unfolds around him, prompting viewers to question whether he is the victim or the mastermind behind the robbery. The film is expected to be released in theatres in July 2026.

Looking ahead, the actor will also be seen in Khalifa, an action thriller directed by Vysakh, featuring Mohanlal in a cameo role. Moreover, the Driving Licence actor has Varanasi in his lineup, co-starring alongside Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.

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