The much-anticipated Malayalam film Kathanar: The Wild Sorcerer unveiled the first look of Anushka Shetty's character, Nila, on Thursday, coinciding with the actor's birthday. This marks Anushka's debut in the Malayalam film industry. The motion poster, featuring her character, was shared by co-star Jayasurya, who plays the titular role of Kathanar. In his social media post, Jayasurya wished Anushka a magical birthday and expressed excitement about her entry into Malayalam cinema, saying, "Magic awaits."
Directed by Rojin Thomas, known for his work on Home, Kathanar is based on the legend of Kadamattathu Kathanar, a priest from Kerala believed to have supernatural powers. The film follows the priest's journey and his extraordinary abilities, drawing inspiration from folklore. Jayasurya, who plays the lead role, has reportedly undergone a complete physical transformation, including significant weight loss, to portray the character.
The film's cast also includes Prabhu Deva, making his return to Malayalam cinema after a 13-year gap, and choreographer-actor Sandy, known for his role in Leo. Kathanar is produced by Sree Gokulam Movies, with a technical team that includes cinematographer Neil D Cunha, action choreographer Jungjin Park, and music director Rahul Subrahmanian Unni. After completing the Kerala shooting schedule in October, the makers plan to shoot a portion of the film in Rome. The film is poised to be a thrilling journey into the world of magic and mystery, with a gripping tale inspired by real-life legend.





