Tovino Thomas’ 2018 flood relief efforts receive fresh praise from Kerala audience and Jude Anthany Joseph

Tovino Thomas played the role of a runaway soldier named Anoop in Jude Anthany Joseph’s 2018

Tovino Thomas at a relief camp in August 2018 and (right) in a poster from the movie

Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas proved that he was a hero offscreen too in August 2018 when he set an example, helping rescue people who were in need of help during the Kerala floods as well as assisting in the relief efforts. So, it’s only fitting that his latest role in Jude Anthany Joseph’s 2018 is winning praise from all quarters.

In fact, those who have been touched by his portrayal of a runaway soldier, Anoop, and his selfless acts in the movie took to their social media page to share the photos of the actor from August 2018, when he was helping out at the relief camps.

Also read: Tovino Thomas on 2018: It’s a reminder of the time that people supported each other, and not about the disaster

However, not many know that when Tovino was initially offered the role by Jude for 2018, his first instinct was to back out. The Thallumaala actor, in an earlier interview with OTTplay, said, “My initial reaction was that I didn’t want to be part of it, because as it is, some people say that I used the floods for my publicity and my films’. But Jude ettan asked me to first read the script and then take a call.”

Also read: Jude Anthany on why 2018 is the Kerala story: ‘When everything has a political agenda, these deeds inspire hope’

A small section of people had trolled Tovino, calling him a ‘flood hero’ and that he used the chance to promote his movie Theevandi, which was one of the first movies to hit theatres after the 2018 floods. Tovino, however, came out strongly against this, saying that he was only doing what he could do to help others and none of it was done with any ulterior motives.

In a recent interview with OTTplay, Jude seconded this. “I know Tovino was someone who sincerely went all out to help people. He opened the doors of his house to 12 families, got out into the waters to rescue those in need and also helped them get to their camps. He’s someone who was literally knee deep in waters, helping people, and doing everything that he could during the distressing time,” the director said.

Also read: 2018 review: The Kerala story of hope, humanity and resilience, expertly crafted by Jude Anthany Joseph

2018 has already bagged the highest opening weekend for a Malayalam movie this year and is expected to be a blockbuster, based on the bookings the past three days. The film also has Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Narain, Lal and Aparna Balamurali as part of the cast.

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