Malayalam star Asif Ali takes the lead in ‘Tiki Taka,’ the upcoming action thriller that’s gaining momentum in production circles. The film is gearing up for a theatrical release during Christmas 2025, hinting at a wide multilingual rollout. Buzz around the project is steadily building as anticipation grows. Let’s find out the movie’s progression while appreciating Asif’s dedication to bringing it to life.
Tiki Taka Cast and Crew
Helmed by Rohith VS, this thriller marks his third collaboration with Asif after ‘Adventures of Omanakuttan’ (2017) and ‘Iblis’ (2018). The screenplay credit goes to Sharis Mohammed. This project is touted as one of Asif Ali’s most ambitious big-budget ventures.
The lineup of talent boasts Wamiqa Gabbi, Lukman Avaran, Naslen Gafoor, Santhosh Prathap, Sanchana Natarajan, and Harisree Ashokan.
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Siju Mathew and Navis Xaviour steer the production, uniting Juvis Production and Adventures Company. The core crew features Sony Seban’s cinematography, Dawn Vincent’s score, and Chaman Chakko’s edits.
Behind the Making of John Denver: The Heart of the Story
Asif Ali reflected on his connection with John Denver, the central character in ‘Tiki Taka’, highlighting a deep admiration for the role. He described Denver as a fighter, defined by resilience, determination, and an unyielding spirit. These traits resonated with him the moment the character was introduced.
The actor shared that his portrayal demanded emotional investment and significant physical preparation. A complete physical transformation was required, along with intense fight training. The process, however, was far from smooth. He revealed that a serious mishap during the preparation phase added to the challenges.
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What stood out was how his personal experience on the film closely reflected the struggles faced by the character. According to him, the journey unexpectedly became a parallel to his own, marked by endurance and inner strength.
Back on Track After Unexpected Hiatus
The process took a severe turn in 2023. During combat training, Asif encountered a serious accident that halted everything. The injury left him bedridden, then confined to a wheelchair for weeks. What made the ordeal even harder was the realisation that a year’s worth of physical preparation was lost. Unlike the resilience of John Denver, he broke down in tears on the hospital bed.
Now, after nearly 18 months, the cameras are rolling again. Despite healing from meniscus and ligament injuries, Asif has returned to the set. His commitment remains unwavering, driven by the same force that first drew him to the role.
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Wrapping Up
Asif Ali leads ‘Tiki Taka,’ slated for launch during Christmas 2025. Rohith VS’s direction and Wamiqa Gabbi’s joining the cast elevate the movie’s calibre. Making John Denver, the lead character, go through an intense physical transformation was tiresome. Asif’s year-long effort was even interrupted by a serious accident. The good news is, filming has now resumed after his recovery. The project aims to deliver a bold commercial action experience, standing out amid Malayalam cinema’s current golden wave.