Rekhachithram: Anaswara Rajan was not the first choice but director Jofin T Chacko was convinced after....

Asif Ali’s Rekhachithram is hailed as the first hit of Malayalam cinema in 2025, winning over both critics and audiences. Anaswara Rajan also plays a crucial role in the film, directed by Jofin T Chacko. But did you know that Anaswara Rajan was not the first choice to play Rekha in the Malayalam film? Read on to know what convinced Jofin T Chacko that Anaswara could pull off the role.

Anaswara Rajan not the first choice for Rekhachithram

In an interview with Cinema Express, director Jofin T Chacko revealed that the team first planned to cast a newcomer in the role of Rekha but it was Mohanlal-starrer Neru that changed his thought process.

“But after watching Neru, we knew Anaswara would be the right person," Jofin told Cinema Express.

For the unversed, Neru, starring Mohanlal along with Anaswara Rajan in a crucial role, is directed by Jeethu Joseph and released in 2023. Anaswara Rajan plays the role of a blind sculptor, Sara, who is a victim of sexual assault, while Mohanlal plays an advocate fighting for her justice. The Malayalam film won much appreciation for the lead actors’ performance and also for the sensitive portrayal of the issue.

And it was this moving performance that led to Anaswara getting cast in Rekhachithram, the director has revealed now.

Also read - Rekhachithram movie review: Asif Ali, Anaswara Rajan’s mystery thriller gives a compelling spin to reel and real-life events

Anaswara Rajan in Rekhachithram

In Asif Ali-starrer, Anaswara Rajan appears as aspiring actress Rekha, who is also a big fan of megastar Mammootty. But the young girl mysteriously disappears from the shooting sets of Mammootty’s Kaathodu Kaathoram in 1985. Four decades later, a cop, played by Asif Ali, sets out to find out what happened to Rekha.

Also read - Rekhachithram director Jofin T Chacko on picking Kaathodu Kaathoram and alternate plan for Mammootty’s 80s version | Exclusive 

Manoj K Jayan, Zarin Shihab, and Siddique, play significant roles in the film along with Jagadish, Saikumar, Harisree Ashokan and Indrans.

Rekhachithram was released in theatres on January 9, 2025, and went on to collect around Rs 55.17 crore in worldwide collections, as per the figures on Sacnilk. The mystery thriller has emerged to be the first blockbuster from Malayalam this year.