Nivin Pauly Frustrated Over Protracted Delays in Lokesh Cinematic Universe Film ‘Benz’
Malayalam star Nivin Pauly is currently basking in the success of his latest release, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit. While his professional trajectory remains on an upward curve, the actor has candidly expressed his growing frustration regarding one of his most anticipated projects: the Tamil actioner Benz.
As a significant entry into the sprawling Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), Benz has generated immense hype since its announcement. However, the film has faced persistent production delays, leaving the actor in a difficult spot regarding his professional commitments and personal grooming.
An Appeal to the Makers
In a recent candid interview with film critic Rekha Menon, Nivin Pauly revealed that approximately 30 to 35 days of filming remain for his character. When he initially signed on to the project, he agreed to maintain a specific look—most notably a thick beard—to ensure continuity for his role. However, the prolonged scheduling conflicts have extended that commitment far beyond his original expectations.
Speaking directly to the production team with a mix of humor and exhaustion, Nivin said, “I’m sick and tired of calling them about this. Guys, at least after watching this interview, please make a decision and complete the film.”
The Burden of Continuity
The logistical challenges of the film industry are often invisible to the audience, but for Nivin, the delay in Benz has had a tangible impact on his career. Because he must maintain the same look to preserve character continuity, he has been unable to experiment with his appearance for other projects.
The actor had intended to shave his beard for both Bethlehem Kudumba Unit and his upcoming collaboration with Rukmini Vasanth and Aju Varghese. Instead, the uncertainty surrounding the Benz schedule has forced him to keep the look consistent across a series of films, including Sarvam Maya and Prathichaya.
A Key Entry in the LCU
Nivin Pauly officially joined the high-profile project in late 2025, taking on the role of ‘Twin Fish Walter.’ The character is positioned as a formidable presence against the film’s lead, played by Raghava Lawrence. Directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan, Benz is officially the fourth installment of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, following the massive successes of Kaithi, Vikram, and Leo.
Produced by Lokesh Kanagaraj alongside Sudhan Sundaram and Jagadish Palanisamy, the film also features Ravi Mohan and Samyuktha in pivotal roles. Despite completing the first schedule by November 2025, the production has hit a standstill that has left both the cast and fans eager for a resolution.
As Nivin continues to balance new Malayalam projects, the industry and his fanbase are hopeful that the makers will soon provide a definitive timeline to wrap up this long-gestating cinematic venture.
