Nipah Virus: When a Malayalam film depicted how Kerala combated the deadly disease
Nipah Virus: Kerala's robust medical system, the alert government’s role and that of local people were depicted in the Malayalam film, Virus, directed by Aashiq Abu. Here's where and why to watch
Last Updated: 09.50 AM, Jan 29, 2026
Alarm bells are ringing in India, and even other nations as the threat of a Nipah outbreak has been sparked off by the two cases of the deadly disease reported in West Bengal. But this is not the first time that the fatal illness has struck the country. Nipah virus was earlier reported in Kerala in 2018, and the state was able to combat the disease with fewer casualties. The state’s robust medical system, the alert government’s role and that of local people were depicted in an acclaimed Malayalam film, titled Virus, directed by Aashiq Abu. Here’s a look at the 2019 film, and why the well-crafted movie stays relevant in these uncertain times.
What is Virus movie about
The Malayalam film Virus is based on real incidents in Kerala, following the Nipah outbreak in 2018. The realistic film chronicles the events at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode, which reported the first casualty. The Aashiq Abu directorial also begins with the zero patient Zakariya Mohammed getting admitted to the hospital, his demise and how the infection spread, sparking off a medical crisis in the state.
How Kerala’s combat against Nipah was depicted in the movie
Much like in real life, the film also follows the virus spreading to the medical staff and other patients who were present at the hospital. Actor Kunchacko Boban plays Dr Suresh of the hospital, who identifies it as a case of Nipah virus. Rising to the occasion, the state Health Minister CK Prameela (actress Revathy) and district collector Paul V Abraham (actor Revathy) set up a panel to identify the origin and stop the virus spread. More stakeholders enter with actress Parvathy Thiruvothu’s Dr Annu being the crucial person who traces the origin of the outbreak and how it spread.
We also see how the affected patients were isolated at the hospital, the sheer effort and risk taken by the hospital staff, and the grief of those who lost their loved ones to Nipah. Even while dealing with a medical crisis, the Muhsin Parari and Suhas-Sharfu’s script never writes off the characters as being one-note roles. Despite the screentime for most of the characters , the grounded film makes space for their backstory and ensures there is an emotional connect to the story. The film is mindful of the fact there is no 'hereo' or does not resort to any saviour narrative of one person. Despite featuring names like Tovino Thomas leading the ensemble cast, no one character or person gets to play the hero. Instead, like how in real life, it was the collective effort of the administration, people and the medical staff that combated the disease, the film too comes across as a collaborative effort.
The compelling film also touches upon the issues of bioweapon and the resistance over burying the deceased, all that were raging topics in Kerala at the time.
Who are the real persons depicted in the movie
Prameela is based on the then Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja, while Collector Paul is based on IAS officer UV Jose. The most touching story both in reel and real life is that of nurse Akhila (played by actress Rima Kallingal), based on the true story of nurse Lini, a young mother, who got infected and penned a letter to her husband before passing away.
The film boasts of an ensemble cast, mostly led by the young actors of Kunchacko Boban, Indrajith Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Poornima Indrajith, Sreenath Bhasi, Asif Ali and Madonna Sebastian. Senior actors Rahman and Revathy also delivered impactful performances.
Where to watch Virus movie on OTT
You can watch the Malayalam movie Virus on Amazon Prime Video, which OTTplay Premium subscribers can also access by topping up their plans. The Telugu dubbed version of the Malayalam movie, titled Nipah Virus, is available on Aha, while the Tamil version, Virus, is streaming on Zee5. Both films are also available via OTTplay Premium too.
Virus movie FAQs
Q. Which is the movie about Nipah virus?
A. The 2019 Malayalam movie Virus depicts the events that happened in Kerala after the Nipah outbreak.
Q. Is virus movie based on a true story?
A. Yes, the movie Virus is based on the true story from Kerala, chronicling the events after the Nipah outbreak in the state.