Actor Vinayakan has sustained an injury during the ongoing shoot of Aadu 3, according to a report by Manorama News on Tuesday. The actor suffered muscle and nerve damage while filming action sequences in Tiruchendur a few days ago. The injury reportedly occurred during the shoot of stunt scenes involving a jeep. Following continued physical discomfort, Vinayakan sought treatment at a private hospital in Kochi last Saturday. An MRI scan conducted subsequently revealed serious damage to his muscles and nerves, sustained during the shoot. Doctors have advised the actor to take six weeks of rest.

Vinayakan plays the gangster Dude in the Aadu franchise, a recurring character who has featured in the first two instalments and is returning in the third film as well. There has been no official statement yet from the makers regarding whether the injury will affect the film’s shooting schedule.

Headlined by Jayasurya, the Aadu franchise is written and directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas. Jayasurya reprises his popular role as Shaji Pappan, the short-tempered and swaggering tug-of-war team leader whose antics form the comic backbone of the series.

The Aadu series began in 2015, with the first film initially failing at the box office before gaining a strong cult following through its home video release. This renewed popularity led to Aadu 2, which went on to become a commercial success. The third instalment is being mounted on a larger scale, with the makers describing it as an “epic fantasy” unfolding across multiple timelines.

Aadu 3 is being co-produced by Friday Film House and Kavya Films, and features a returning ensemble cast that includes Vijay Babu, Saiju Kurup, Indrans, Aju Varghese, Srinda, Sunny Wayne, Bhagath Manuel, Sudhy Kopa and Bijukuttan. On the technical front, the film has cinematography by Akhil George, editing by Lijo Paul and music by Shaan Rahman.

Vinayakan was last seen in the recently released Mammootty-starrer Kalamkaval, which is currently enjoying a successful theatrical run.