The film was officially announced in July 2024 under the tentative title Shane Nigam 25, as it is the actor's 25th film in a leading role, and the official title was announced in June 2025. Principal photography took place from December 2024 to March 2025 across Coimbatore, Palakkad and Pollachi. The film has music composed by the debutant Sai Abhyankkar, with cinematography handled by Alex J. Pulickal and editing by Shivkumar V. Panicker.
Balti was released theatrically on 26 September 2025 and received positive reviews from critics. The film was average success at box office.
Plot
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Three powerful goons control the small town of Velampalayam, which is located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Four young kabaddi players get caught up in these fraudulent activities and powerplay, jeopardising their loved ones, friendship, and trust. Soon, the focus shifts to revenge, where only one person can make it through.
On 4 July 2024, Shane Nigam announced that his 25th film would be directed by debutant Unni Sivalingam and produced jointly by Santhosh T. Kuruvilla and Binu George Alexander.[6] The film would be shot simultaneously in Malayalam and Tamil.[7]Tentatively titledShane Nigam 25 and Production No. 14,[8] the technical crew includes cinematographer Alex J. Pulikkal, editor Shivkumar V. Panicker, production designer Ashique S, makeup artist Jitesh Poyya, costume designer Melvi, action choreographer Vicky Master, and sound designer Nithin Lukose.[9][10]
The official title, Balti, was announced on 11 June 2025.[11] The following month, Sai Abhyankkar was revealed to score the music, in his film debut. Although he had previously signed on for Benz, Karuppu and Dude, this film would release before.[12] In December 2024, Shanthanu Bhagyaraj and Preethi Asrani were announced being cast, with the latter pairing opposite Shane. It marks Shanthanu's comeback in Malayalam cinema after 16 years, following his appearance in 2009 film Angel John.[8] The following July, Alphonse Puthren was announced as the main antagonist.[13] The film, revolving around kabaddi players, was confirmed to feature national and state-level kabaddi players in its cast.[11]
Principal photography began with an inaugural puja ceremony on 12 December 2024 at a film city in Coimbatore with the cast and crew.[14] Filming was set to take place at Coimbatore, Palakkad and Pollachi for around 90 days.[10] Principal photography wrapped by 25 March 2025, with filming having lasted 92 days, as planned.[15]
The soundtrack is composed by Sai Abhyankkar, in his first feature film.[12][16] His remuneration was around ₹2 crore (US$240,000), which the producer claimed was the highest for a debut composer in Malayalam.[17] The audio rights were acquired by Think Music.[18] The track "Soda Break" was featured in the introduction teaser for Alphonse Puthren's character.[19] The first single "Jaalakaari" was released on 24 August 2025.[20]
Balti was released theatrically on 26 September 2025,[21] in standard and EPIQ formats.[22] It was previously scheduled to release on 29 August coinciding Onam.[23][24][25]
Reception
Critical response
Balti received positive reviews from critics.
Arjun Menon of The Indian Express gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote, "The personal writing and thick character sketches enhance the immediacy from the action and strengthens the high-stakes plot. The film’s attempts to tap into the emotional core of friendship, and the tragedy triggered by one friend’s poor choices, feel innovative and connected to the rest of the story. Moreover, whenever Balti surrenders to its action instincts, it delivers a good time at the movies".[26] Anna Mathews of The Times of India gave 3/5 stars and wrote, "Balti works well as a sports movie with its well-shot and exciting kabbadi scenes. Also, Sai Abhyankkar makes a striking debut as a film composer".[27]
Janani K of India Today gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote, " 'Balti' serves up promising ingredients and successfully extracts its full potential, thereby settling for creativity over cliches.[28] Vivek Santhosh of Cinema Express gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote, "For those who enjoy rustic action dramas, the film has enough grit and swagger to pass the time. For everyone else, it will feel like a song sung many times before, this time louder, bloodier, and better".[29] Gayathri Krishna of OTTplay gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote, "The action scenes and Sai Abhyankkar's music are among Balti's key assets. For those who love Shane Nigam or a non-commercial action thriller, the film is definitely worthwhile to watch overall".[30]
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