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NDTV
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
The Story Of Virus, The Film On How Kerala Fought Nipah Virus In 2018
There is no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the world, and India was no exception. The quarantine, the deaths, and above all, the uncertainty of what would happen - that was the worst part. However, when Covid-19 first hit India, and more specifically Kerala in 2020, the state had already faced a terrifying battle with a highly contagious and far more fatal virus, Nipah. The Nipah outbreak reported in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in May 2018 was the first ever in Kerala, and only the third in India, following earlier outbreaks in West Bengal in 2001 and 2007. The Story Of Virus The Movie When a deadly virus strikes a community, chaos usually follows. But in 2018, Kerala's response to the Nipah virus outbreak didn't just make headlines, it became a cinematic tale worth telling, and watching. Directed by Aashiq Abu and released in 2019, Virus is not your typical disaster film. Instead, this Malyalam film is a meticulously crafted, gripping medical thriller based on true events, where the enemy isn't a terrorist or monster, it's an invisible, incurable virus. The film captures real-life heroes, their fears, and their moments of hope. Principal photography took place from January to February 2019, in a single 52-day schedule. Most of it was shot at the Government Medical College and Government Homoeopathic Medical College in Kozhikode, Kerala. Now, back to the plot. The story begins with the sudden death of a young man. Soon, others around him, his brother, nurses, even an ambulance driver begin falling ill. Panic spreads rapidly, and the government springs into action. What unfolds is a gripping, race-against-time drama where medical professionals, administrators and public health workers must contain the virus before it spirals out of control. By the way, the Nipah virus has a high mortality rate ranging between 40% and 75%, far deadlier than many other diseases, including Covid-19. In some outbreaks, it has crossed the 75% fatality mark. The Real Life Unsung Heroes The film is set in Kozhikode, where the outbreak first emerged. It opens like a mystery, with patients showing fever and severe neurological symptoms. One by one, people begin dying, while doctors struggle to understand what they are dealing with. But Virus doesn't glorify a single saviour. Instead, it shines a light on a collective of unsung heroes - doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers, morgue staff, lab workers, and bureaucrats - all stepping up under immense pressure. The ensemble cast includes Kunchacko Boban as Dr Suresh Rajan, Indrajith Sukumaran as Dr Baburaj, Tovino Thomas as IAS officer Paul V Abraham (based on UV Jose), and Parvathy Thiruvothu as Dr Annu. Revathi plays the state Health Minister CK Prameela, clearly inspired by KK Shailaja, whose leadership during both the Nipah and Covid-19 crises was widely praised. Poornima Indrajith plays Dr Smrithy Bhaskar, Director of Public Health. The film doesn't dramatise for effect - it acknowledges the real systems that functioned effectively. In a world where public health infrastructure is often overlooked, Virus offers a rare and powerful tribute to efficiency, empathy, and resilience. It's a reminder that a coordinated, science-based, and humane response can save lives, and did. It also showcases what these patients and their family members went through: the pain from their symptoms, the inability to recover the bodies of their loved ones, and the fear among civilians when they saw anyone grappling with any symptoms of the virus. How Nipah Was Managed In 2018 Nipah, a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals (in this case, fruit bats), had the potential to spread fast and kill even faster. The index patient in Kozhikode passed the virus to 16 others within Medical College Hospital, and a few more were infected subsequently. Tragically, 10 people died in the first week alone, including nurse Lini Puthussery, who cared for the index patient before the diagnosis. The outbreak soon spread to nearby Malappuram. Swift and strict measures were taken - over 2,000 people were placed in quarantine and kept under observation. Health departments issued advisories across northern Kerala and even neighbouring Karnataka after two suspected cases were found in Mangalore. One of the critical responses involved sourcing M102.4, a human monoclonal antibody still in clinical trials, from Australia. This was made possible through the help of Nipah researcher Dr Christopher Broder. Out of the 18 confirmed cases, 16 people died, while only two recovered. The containment strategy was considered a success, and the outbreak was officially declared over on June 10, 2018, less than a month after it began. Why The Film Matters Even Now Virus hit the screens just months before the Covid-19 pandemic changed the world. Looking back, the film almost feels prophetic, the fear, the uncertainty, the invisible enemy, the absence of a vaccine, and the dependence on a strained healthcare system. When Covid-19 hit in 2020, the film found renewed relevance. Viewers across India revisited it, recognising their own lived reality in its tense, heartbreaking scenes. And now, with Kerala once again on alert after fresh Nipah cases were detected, the lessons from 2018, and Virus, feel more urgent than ever. The film is not just a tribute to the past, it's a timely reminder of what can be achieved. Now, as history threatens to repeat itself, Virus offers more than entertainment: it offers hope.
India.com
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This 2 hour 24 minute crime thriller will leave you shocked, story of policeman getting murdered by..., has 7.9 IMDb rating, movie is...
Thriller movies are loved by the audience and hence have a special place in people's hearts. The ingredients that make a thriller film more enjoyable are an edge-of-the-seat storyline, the right cast, and apt direction. Today, we will talk about one such thriller that will leave you stunned and hooked till the very end. We will discuss a film that became a game changer for people who love thrillers. The storyline of the film talks about a killer who hatches a conspiracy so complex that even the police are unable to comprehend it. The movie is so intriguing that you might even forget Drishyam after watching this. If you are wondering which film we are talking about, it is Anjaam Pathiraa. Storyline of Anjaam Pathiraa Anjaam Pathiraa is the best crime thriller film released in the year 2020. It stars Kunchacko Boban, Jinu Joseph, Unnimaya Prasad, Harikrishnan, Divya Gopinath, Sharafuddin, Indrans, Ramya Nambeesan, Mathew Thomas, Nikhil Vimal, and many other stars in important roles. The story of this film revolves around a serial killer who brutally murders police officers one by one. The story begins with the brutal murder of a police officer, whom the killer cuts into different pieces. He then discards each body part in a public place. In the following days, the murder of several policemen shocks the entire department. What follows next will scare you to the core. Not just that, it will also send chills down your spine. Anjaam Pathiraa Box Office Collection Made for Rs 7.5 crore, Anjaam Pathiraa was a huge hit. It earned Rs 35 crore in India, becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2020. The film also received positive reviews from critics, who praised its crime thriller elements, cinematography, and acting performances.
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Love Malayalam thrillers? Here are intriguing films that you should not miss out on OTT
Malayalam has released several thrillers over the years that are notable for a variety of reasons, including their plots and performances. Some of these films focus on a crime investigation, while others feature captivating narratives that intrigue the audience from start to finish. If you enjoy watching Malayalam thrillers, you should not miss these flicks on OTT. Ela Veezha Poonchira, Kunchacko Boban's Anjaam Pathiraa Stream Malayalam's latest thrillers such as Pravinkoodu Shappu, Rekhachithram and more on OTTplay Premium Anjaam Pathiraa (Sun NXT, OTTplay Premium) A serial killer is at large, brutally killing police officers. Anwar, a consulting criminologist, joins the investigative team in order to find the offender. As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that the case is about seeking retribution for the wrongs done to the culprit's family. Kunchacko Boban stars in the lead role in this film, helmed by Midhun Manuel Thomas. Ela Veezha Poonchira (Amazon Prime Video) The main characters of the movie are police constable Madhu and another officer who are assigned to the hilltop. The plot twist starts when a woman's body parts are discovered strewn about in the region they are on duty. The movie's climax is popular for shocking audiences. Noted screenwriter Shahi Kabir has helmed this film, which features Soubin Shahir in the lead role. Rekhachithram (Sony LIV, OTTplay Premium) Starring Asif Ali, the movie centres on Vivek Gopinath, who looks into the disappearance of an actress during a 1985 movie shoot and a mysterious skeleton they retrieve in a forest. Buried secrets come to light as he investigates, exposing a crime that was kept hidden for 40 years. Anaswara Rajan plays the other key role in this film. Joseph (Amazon Prime Video) A retired police officer who is renowned for his investigative skills is portrayed in the film. He discovers a criminal case involving organ trafficking after his wife passes away in an accident. This is among actor Joju George's finest performances to date. Vettah (Sun NXT, OTTplay Premium) The inquiry into the disappearance of an actress is the primary focus of the film. The investigating officers deal with an offender who confesses to the crime but then begins to play mind tricks and refuses to disclose anything about the case to anyone else. The plot and performances of Manju Warrier, Kunchacko Boban, and Indrajith Sukumaran were lauded by moviegoers. Grandmaster (Sun NXT, OTTplay Premium) An IPS officer named Chandrasekhar is challenged by a serial killer, who chooses victims based on alphabetical order, in this movie. He progressively overcomes the disappointment of his split from his wife and works on the most challenging case of his career. In this thriller, Mohanlal portrays Chandrashekhar.
India.com
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This 2-hour 14-minute crime thriller will send chills down your spine, beats Drishyam, Vikram Vedha in suspense has a 7.5 IMDb rating, film is...
If you are fond of suspense, drama, thriller and crime movies, then this movie is perfect for you. This movie has all the masala you are looking for. Whoever saw this crime thriller action movie became a fan of this film. Let us tell you about this blockbuster film which created a stir on OTT. The name of this film, released in 2025, is 'Officer on Duty'. This is a Malayalam crime action thriller film. It stars Kunchacko Boban, Priyamani, Vishak Nair, and Meenakshi Anoop in the lead roles, along with Aishwarya Raj. It was directed by Jithu Asharef. As soon as this 2-hour, 14-minute-long film hit the theatres, it created a storm at the box office. The budget of this film was 10 to 13 crores and the worldwide collection was Rs 55.03 crores. This film has become the highest-grossing film of Kerala. It has also defeated 'Raktachitram'. After being a box office bomb, this film wreaked havoc on OTT as well. It was released on Netflix on March 20. It remained number one on OTT for several weeks and made the makers rich. After being a box office bomb, this film wreaked havoc on OTT as well. The story of this film is about a police officer named Harishankar. While investigating a fake jewellery case, he comes across a big criminal syndicate. He solves a case which initially seems like a small theft, but later a big scandal is revealed.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Producers' Association clarifies box office reports: Theatrical revenue remains the primary
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) In light of increasing criticism over the public release of box office collection figures, the Kerala Film Producers' Association has issued a detailed clarification defending its decision. The controversy stems from recent debates within the industry against the publishing of box office reports of movies released each month. " Theatrical revenue remains the primary' As reported by On Manorama, in a letter sent to its members, the Association emphasized that for most Malayalam films , "theatrical revenue remains the primary, and often the only source of income." The letter noted that producers often do not receive even the gross theatrical revenue due to "the high remuneration demanded by leading actors." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Want Lower Bills Without Changing a Thing? elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo 'Rising fees for actors and technicians' Initially, hopes were pinned on revenue from OTT platforms, but the Association clarified that this has not turned into a sustainable income stream. Operation Sindoor Amid flare-up hours after thaw, officials say things will settle down with time Ceasefire on, but pressure stays: Key decisions by India against Pak that still stand 'Will work with India & Pakistan to seek solution on Kashmir': Trump 'Rising fees for actors and technicians have led to a steep increase in production costs,' the letter stated, adding that producers now face the burden of recovering their investments through theatre collections alone, even after double taxation. Officer On Duty - Official Trailer The Association said its executive committee unanimously decided to publish collection data 'in the spirit of transparency,' and to help 'new producers entering the industry understand the actual financial conditions.' It dismissed claims that the move benefits only a few elite members, calling such allegations 'baseless.' Kunchacko Boban 's previous reaction - 'The production cost of Officer on Duty is not Rs 13 crore' Actor Kunchacko Boban, whose film Officer on Duty was reported to have a Rs 13 crore budget with only Rs 11 crore in returns, earlier reacted to the report. Speaking to Manorama Online, he said, 'The production cost of Officer on Duty is not Rs 13 crore—it is much higher than that. The claim that the producers received only Rs 11 crore in return is also incorrect; in reality, they received at least twice that amount, if not more... Their figures are neither precise nor transparent.' A formal discussion with AMMA is expected only after its next general body meeting. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . And don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
