Leona Lishoy to Play the Lead in Midhun Manuel Thomas Anali, Based on Koodathayi Murder case
Anali Series Actors and Characters , Leona Lishoy to Play the Lead, Nikhila Vimal Also Doing an Important Role
In an exciting development that has captured the attention of Malayalam OTT audiences, Jio Hotstar has announced that the upcoming thriller “Anali,” directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, will take cues from one of Kerala’s most notorious crime stories—the Jolly Cyanide case. This revelation was made during the platform’s grand South Unbound event on Tuesday, and it has already generated significant buzz, particularly following the release of a captivating teaser. The visuals and atmosphere presented in the teaser evoke the chilling memories of the real-life serial murders that took place in Koodathayi, committed by Jolly Joseph, a case that remains etched in the annals of the state’s criminal history.
| Series Name | Anali |
| Streaming Date | TBA |
| Platform | JioHotstar |
| Content Rating | A |
The Jolly Joseph case is a harrowing tale that has left a lasting impact on Kerala. Between 2002 and 2016, Jolly Joseph is believed to have masterminded the murders of six family members, employing cyanide as her weapon of choice, all while projecting an image of a devout and respected member of her community. Her victims included her mother-in-law, father-in-law, husband, and other relatives, with their deaths initially brushed off as natural or accidental. It wasn’t until a relentless police investigation uncovered the grim reality that the truth came to light, culminating in her arrest in 2019. The case shocked the state not only for its meticulous planning and domestic backdrop but also for the disturbing duality of the life led by the perpetrator, making it one of the most unsettling crime sagas in Kerala’s history.
Lead Actor
Leona Lishoy takes center stage in the series, embodying a character inspired by the chilling psychological depths of a notorious real-life case. With a growing reputation for her bold, nuanced, and emotionally resonant performances, Leona is stepping into one of the most demanding roles of her career. She has previously impressed audiences with her work in films like Mayanadhi, Varathan, and Khedda, where she has consistently demonstrated her talent for portraying intricate and multifaceted characters. In Anali, she delves into the psyche of a protagonist who grapples with suspicion, hidden truths, and a haunting moral ambiguity, making her one of the most eagerly awaited casting choices in Jio Hotstar’s upcoming lineup.
Nikhila Vimal
Nikhila Vimal joins the cast as a key character, portraying another woman entangled in the web of mysteries that unfold throughout the story. Their combined performances are set to ground what is expected to be a gripping, atmospheric, and emotionally charged thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
With Anali, Jio Hotstar is set to enrich its 2026 Malayalam lineup with a dark and captivating narrative that intertwines real-life horrors with cinematic flair. As audiences begin to draw parallels between the show’s fictional elements and the notorious Jolly case, excitement is steadily mounting, positioning Anali as one of the most anticipated Malayalam web series of the upcoming year.
