Three students in Thiruvananthapuram run a successful business of wall posters

Selling wall posters might sound more like a hobby than a business idea. Ajnas S, Anandakrishnan and Adhilsha S, however, think differently. Cool wall posters designed by these friends now find a place at most of the art and cultural festivals, flea markets and exhibitions happening in Thiruvananthapuram.

Movie titles and scenes, sports personalities, anime characters, automobiles, political figures etc find a place in these posters. Besides offline sale, you can place orders on their Instagram page, Urban Posters (@urban._posters).

They were introduced to the idea a few years ago when the Kerala University Arts Festival was held in Thiruvananthapuram. “We were students of University College then and had put up a stall at the festival venue to sell Ajnas’ sketches,” says Anandakrishnan. That was when some of our seniors approached us asking if they could sell their wall posters with the sketches and we agreed.”

The seniors left after a day leaving the posters behind. “After the festival, we put those posters and sketches for sale by the roadside. We made some money,” says Anandakrishnan.

(From left) Adhilsha S, Anandakrishnan and Ajnas S
| Photo Credit:
Nirmal Harindran

After college, Anandakrishnan and Adilshah did a course in designing while Ajnas joined the College of Fine Arts, Thiruvananthapuram. “We started making posters. The breakthrough was when we got a stall at Harfest, a 10-day carnival held at Kanakakunnu in 2024. There were many takers for the posters and sketches,” he adds.

The business came in handy when Ajnas, a travel enthusiast, decided to walk from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. “We sold the posters to raise funds for the trip although he had to discontinue it due to a leg injury,” Anandakrishnan says.

Posters kept for sale during the IFFK
| Photo Credit:
SREEJITH R KUMAR

The same year the three were able to put up a stall at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) 2024. “That was a huge opportunity. We connected with a lot of people and got more orders. We were also contacted to do wall art at homes, institutions and streets,” says Ajnas. They sold the posters at last year’s edition of IFFK as well.

The trio says they finalise a design depending on where they are putting up the stalls. “For example, there is a separate crowd for posters with cars whereas cinema is a favourite at some venues. The younger crowd mostly goes for automobile-related stuff,” says Adhilshah, a national-level frisbee player, who is also preparing for public service examinations with Anandakrishnan.

For film posters, which cover works in Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and English, they usually play with key aspects or certain characters of that movie. A best-seller has been the one on the Padmarajan’s classic love story Thoovanathumbikal, starring Mohanlal and Sumalatha.

Other popular posters include the ones based on Devasuram, titled Gangs of Mangalassery, featuring Mohanlal as the feudal lord Mangalassery Neelakandan flanked by his aides and the Kumbalangi Nights inspired one highlights the four brothers, titled Brotherhood. Also on the list are posters focussing on characters from Mayaanadhi, Bangalore Days, Annayum Rasoolum, OK Kanmani, Rockstar, Premam etc.

Wall posters by Urban Posters kept for sale
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL AARANGEMENT

Some of the posters celebrate known names from films, politics, literature, sports, and art, including Vaikom Muhammed Basheer, VS Achuthanandan, Che Guevara, Virat Kohli and Messi.

It is the glossy finish of the prints that attracts buyers. “That is because we don’t compromise on the quality of the paper,” Ajnas says.

The prices start from ₹10 (for the mini posters that look like polaroids) and go up to ₹150, which is for split posters, (a huge poster divided into three), that mostly features cars.

“We now earn enough to meet our needs, especially to cover the expenses for our studies and other daily expenditures. We are able to give a small amount to our homes as well,” says the trio.

The posters will be on sale at Tricult, a three-day cultural carnival at Trivandrum Golf Club, Kowdiar, which begins at 3pm on February 13. Timings are from 11am to 10pm on February 14 and 15 Tickets on @tricult.festival.

Published – February 12, 2026 10:40 pm IST