In an era where OTT platforms have become the go-to medium for film consumption, the Malayalam film Nadikar stands as a rare case of delay, disagreement, and eventual digital resurrection. Starring Tovino Thomas in the lead role, this much-talked-about drama, which originally hit theaters in 2024, will finally make its digital debut on the Saina Play OTT platform on August 08, 2025 more than a year after its theatrical release.
Nadikar OTT Release Date
Nadikar is all set to be premiered on 08 August 2025 on Saina Play.
Nadikar (translated as The Actor) is a Malayalam-language film that attempts to peel back the glamour of stardom and explore the vulnerabilities, ego, and insecurities that lie behind the camera.
Directed by Lal Jr., the film revolves around a superstar’s personal and professional crisis and how he comes to terms with the realities of fame, failure, and identity.
While the film opened to mixed reviews and didn’t quite meet the commercial expectations in cinemas, it was praised for its ambitious narrative and strong performances, especially by lead actor Tovino Thomas.
The story carries a satirical undertone about the film industry itself, making it especially relevant to cinephiles and insiders alike. Nadikar is finally making its digital debut on the Saina Play OTT platform, with streaming set to begin on August 08, 2025.
Available exclusively in Malayalam and offered through a subscription-based model, this release marks the film’s first official digital availability, giving fans who missed its theatrical run the long-awaited opportunity to watch it from the comfort of their homes.
When and Where to Watch Nadikar
You can watch this comedy drama on 08 August 2025 on Saina Play.
Despite being ready for digital release shortly after its theatrical run, Nadikar faced over a year-long delay in reaching OTT audiences. The primary reason was a disagreement over streaming rights with Netflix, which reportedly offered a lower acquisition price due to the film’s underperformance in theaters.
The producers, confident in the film’s long-term appeal and digital potential, decided to hold back instead of settling for a compromised deal. This situation reflects a growing tension between content creators and streaming platforms.
As OTTs tighten budgets and become more selective, films that underperform theatrically are often undervalued, despite their potential for finding a second life online.
After much negotiation and industry speculation, Nadikar finally found a new home on Saina Play, a regional OTT platform known for curating high-quality Malayalam content. This platform has steadily grown in popularity and is now poised to bring Nadikar to a wider audience.
Nadikar Movie Story
At its core, Nadikar is a character-driven drama that explores the existential crisis of a fading superstar, David Padikkal (played by Tovino Thomas). David, once the darling of fans and filmmakers alike, finds himself on a declining trajectory both personally and professionally.
Haunted by a series of flops, failed relationships, and an ever-growing sense of alienation, he begins to lose his grip on reality. The film follows his journey of self-realization when he meets an ordinary theater artist (played by Soubin Shahir), who mirrors the passion and innocence David once had for the craft of acting.
This unexpected friendship forces David to confront his own insecurities and reflect on what truly matters in life art, relationships, or image.
Other key characters, including David’s ex-girlfriend (Bhavana), his manager (Shine Tom Chacko), and a relentless journalist (Divya Pillai), add layers to the narrative, each offering a different perspective on fame and its consequences.
Cast and Crew of Nadikar Movie
Tovino Thomas as David Padikkal, In one of his most introspective roles yet, Tovino delivers a powerful performance that showcases the vulnerability and fragility of a man under pressure. His portrayal of a conflicted superstar is subtle, restrained, and deeply emotional.
Soubin Shahir, Known for his effortless performances, Soubin plays a humble theater artist whose grounded life and pure love for art act as a stark contrast to David’s chaotic stardom. His chemistry with Tovino adds heart to the film.
Bhavana, Making a strong comeback, Bhavana plays David’s former lover. Her character brings warmth and emotional depth, adding complexity to David’s backstory. Divya Pillai, As a tenacious journalist, Divya is sharp and compelling. Her role introduces a critical outsider perspective on David’s fall from grace.
Shine Tom Chacko, Known for his intense roles, Shine plays David’s troubled manager. His performance adds urgency and tension to the unfolding narrative. Balu Varghese and Indrans, Both play pivotal supporting roles that further humanize the central character, providing emotional support and moments of clarity in David’s turbulent journey.
Lal Jr., Known for his unique storytelling style, Lal Jr. brings a layered and introspective approach to the screenplay. His direction captures both the glamour and gloom of celebrity life with nuance and depth.
Naveen Yerneni, Y. Ravi Shankar, Allan Antony & Anoop Venugopal, Backed by prominent producers, Nadikar had a substantial budget and production value, enabling it to portray the luxurious yet lonely world of a movie star convincingly.
Alby, The visual tone of the film is rich and cinematic. Alby’s lens captures both the dazzle of stardom and the shadows of personal struggle with equal finesse. Ratheesh Raj: The film’s pace is steady, and transitions between timelines are smooth, thanks to the skillful editing by Ratheesh Raj.
Yakzan Gary Pereira & Neha Nair, The musical score reflects the emotional highs and lows of the film. Their compositions, especially the melancholic background music and motivational tracks, resonate with the core themes of redemption and introspection.
Nadikar is more than just a filmit’s a mirror to the fragile world behind stardom, capturing the highs and lows of fame with honesty and introspection. Tovino Thomas delivers one of his most compelling performances, supported by a strong cast and a technically sound crew.
