Filmmaker A.R. Murugadoss has unveiled a chilling second look from the upcoming sci-fi thriller ROOT – Running Out of Time, introducing Bollywood actor Aparshakti Khurana in a menacing new avatar.
The reveal, shared on January 26, 2026, marks a significant milestone for the film, which has already garnered massive attention following a first-look launch by Superstar Rajinikanth earlier this month.
Aparshakti Khurana’s Menacing Tamil Debut
Marking his first foray into Tamil cinema, Aparshakti Khurana appears in a pivotal role that is starkly different from his usual comic or “boy-next-door” performances in Bollywood.
- The Look: The newly released poster features Khurana in a dark, unsettling persona. He is seen in a retro-style outfit with round spectacles and a shawl, suggesting a period setting—specifically a pre-independence era backstory.
- Authenticity: In a bid to connect with the local audience, Khurana has reportedly dubbed his own lines in Tamil, a move highly praised by the production team.
- The Tagline: The poster carries the intriguing tagline, “This is where it begins,” hinting at his character being the catalyst for the film’s suspense-driven narrative.
About ROOT – Running Out of Time
The film is positioned as a high-concept sci-fi crime thriller that explores the fragility of time.
- Lead Actor: Gautham Ram Karthik plays the protagonist, reportedly portraying a police officer caught in a race against time.
- Direction: Written and directed by debutant Sooriyaprathap S, who previously served as an associate director on Rajinikanth’s Kochadaiiyaan.
- Cast: The ensemble includes Bhavya Trikha (female lead), Narain, veteran actor Y. Gee. Mahendran, Pavni Reddy, and Linga.
Production & Release Status
| Detail | Status/Information |
| Current Stage | Post-production (Dubbing completed) |
| Shoot Locations | Extensively filmed in Chennai and various parts of Tamil Nadu. |
| Producer | Verus Productions (Shaik Mujeeb, RajaRajan Gnanasambandam, et al.) |
| Expected Release | June 2026 (TBC) |
