Anoop Menon's Checkmate, set to release on August 8, unveiled its trailer. The film marks the directorial debut of Ratish Sekhar, who also serves as the writer, cinematographer, and composer. Promising a high-octane thriller shot entirely in the United States of America, the trailer opens with a monologue by Anoop Menon, reflecting on humanity's desire for the power to change the world. This is followed by introducing actor Lal's character and the female lead, portrayed by Rekha Harindran.

The cast of Checkmate also includes Raji Arun, Sowmya Rajan, Shyam Krishna, and Viswam Nair, among others. The film's editing is handled by Prejish Prakash, with the background score composed by Ruslan Perezhilo.

Anoop Menon was last seen in the Tovino Thomas-starrer Nadikar. His upcoming projects include Manoj Palodan's Ideem Minnalum, alongside Dhyan Sreenivasan, and Chiram. Earlier, the actor had announced his third outing as a director titled Nalpathukarante Irupathonnukaari. Despite the announcement in 2023, the current status of the project remains unknown.