Raghava Lawrence kickstarts Kanchana 4 shoot

The much-awaited Kanchana 4 has officially gone on floors, marking the return of one of South India’s most successful horror-comedy franchises. Directed by and starring Raghava Lawrence, the film is set to continue the legacy of the Muni–Kanchana series, which has been a trendsetter in the horror-comedy space.

Raghava Lawrence, who began the Muni franchise in 2007, struck gold with its sequels Kanchana (2011), Kanchana 2 (2015), and Kanchana 3 (2019). Each film not only became a box office blockbuster but also built a cult following, blending horror elements with comedy, family drama, and socially relevant themes. From highlighting transgender struggles in Kanchana to showcasing supernatural revenge in the later parts, the series has consistently resonated with audiences.

The fourth installment promises to be bigger in scale, with Lawrence reprising his dual role as actor-director. Industry insiders reveal that Kanchana 4 will retain the franchise’s signature mix of jump scares and laugh-out-loud humor, while also introducing fresh emotional layers and a socially conscious core — a trademark of Lawrence’s storytelling.

Speaking about the film, Raghava Lawrence expressed excitement about returning to the franchise that defined his career. “ Kanchana has always been close to my heart, not just as a filmmaker but as an artist. With Kanchana 4 , we aim to deliver an even more thrilling and emotional experience for the audience,” he said.

The Kanchana series has also had a significant cultural impact, inspiring remakes in Hindi, Kannada, and Bengali, with Bollywood adapting it into Laxmii (2020) starring Akshay Kumar. Its unique blend of fear and humor has redefined horror for mainstream Indian cinema.

Production for Kanchana 4 has begun with a puja ceremony, and filming is set to take place across Chennai, Hyderabad, and select international locations. The makers are eyeing a 2026 theatrical release, with details about the cast, music, and technical crew expected to be announced soon.

Fans of the franchise are already buzzing with anticipation, eager to see how Raghava Lawrence will reinvent the scares and comedy in this new chapter. With its legacy of box office success and strong recall value, Kanchana 4 is poised to be one of the most awaited releases in South cinema.