The trailer of O.M: Chapter 1 – Udhiram – The Blood Wood has generated excitement among movie fans, bringing together Dhanush, Mammootty and Sai Pallavi in an intense action thriller. Released on November 13, the nearly three-minute trailer offers a glimpse into a dangerous world of red sandalwood smuggling, undercover operations and organised crime.
Directed by Rajkumar Periasamy, the film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas worldwide on November 20, 2026. Its unusual combination of leading actors and a crime-driven storyline has made it one of the closely watched upcoming South Indian releases.
Dhanush Goes Undercover in a Smuggling Network
Dhanush plays an undercover police officer who enters a red sandalwood smuggling syndicate by disguising himself as a woodcutter. His mission is to gain the gang’s trust and uncover the people controlling the illegal trade.
The trailer shows him working alongside smugglers and navigating dangerous situations inside the forest. Several action sequences also create uncertainty about his identity and the risks involved in maintaining his cover.
Sai Pallavi Leads a High-Stakes Police Operation
Sai Pallavi appears in a powerful police role as IPS officer Nithya Reddy. Her character leads Operation Mole, a mission aimed at dismantling the criminal network.
The trailer presents her as a determined officer coordinating the investigation as the situation becomes increasingly dangerous. The role also gives the actress an opportunity to explore a different screen image from some of her previous performances.
Mammootty Plays a Powerful Figure Behind the Illegal Trade
Mammootty’s character is another major attraction in the trailer. He appears as a politically influential figure connected to the red sandalwood smuggling operation.
His character adds another dimension to the conflict, as the police attempt to expose the powerful people operating behind the criminal network. The confrontations involving Mammootty and Dhanush are among the trailer’s most intriguing moments.
What Is the Story of O.M?
The film is set against the backdrop of the illegal red sandalwood trade in Andhra Pradesh’s Seshachalam forest region. The story follows efforts by police teams from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to dismantle a smuggling network.
Red sandalwood, also known as red sanders, is a valuable timber species found primarily in the Seshachalam hills. Its international demand has contributed to illegal logging and smuggling operations.
The film draws inspiration from real-life incidents and explores organised crime, forest exploitation and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies.
Fans React to the Trailer
Following its release, the trailer attracted considerable discussion on social media. Many viewers praised the combination of Dhanush, Mammootty and Sai Pallavi, while others highlighted the action sequences, cinematography and background score.
Sai Pallavi’s police character and Mammootty’s intense appearance also received attention. However, some viewers expressed mixed opinions about the background music and felt that the trailer revealed several important story details.
Cast, Director and Release Details
Written and directed by Rajkumar Periasamy, the film features an ensemble cast that includes Dhanush, Mammootty, Sai Pallavi, Sreeleela, Naseeruddin Shah and Indrans.
The project is produced by Dhanush, Shraddha Agrawal and Azmat Jagmag under Wunderbar Films and RTake Studios. Sai Abhyankkar has composed the music.
The film will release worldwide on November 20, 2026, in Tamil, with dubbed versions planned in Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada.
With its crime-based storyline and a prominent multi-industry cast, O.M: Chapter 1 – Udhiram – The Blood Wood is preparing for a major theatrical release.