Director Manu Antony has shared a heartfelt note of appreciation for actor Joju George following the completion of their upcoming film Aja Sundari. Posting a photograph of the two of them together from the film’s sets, Manu reflected on Joju’s contribution to the project and how the actor elevated the central character beyond what was originally envisioned on paper. “When I finished writing the script of Aja Sundari, the main character, Reji, was someone filled with many layers and emotions,” Manu wrote. “Dear Joju Chettan, the character went far beyond what we had written only because of you.”

Expressing gratitude to the actor, the debutant filmmaker added that Joju’s presence and performance had taken the film to another level. “I’m very thankful to Joju Chettan for surprising us with your presence and performance. It was an honour to have you with us. Many more great roles are waiting for you!” he concluded.

Aja Sundari, produced by Aashiq Abu under the banner of OPM Cinemas, recently completed its principal photography. The film also stars Lijomol Jose in a key role. Earlier reports noted that Soubin Shahir had initially been attached to the project as a lead actor and producer before exiting the film, with Joju later stepping in to headline it. The project marks Manu's directorial debut after working as an editor on films such as Pani, Iratta, Padmini and Christy.

From the first-look poster of Aja Sundari featuring Joju holding a goat, accompanied by the caption “Sundariye kaanmanilla” (Sundari is missing) and the hashtag #MissingGoat, the film is believed to revolve around the disappearance of a goat. The screenplay is jointly written by Manu and Geetartha AR, with additional screenplay by Saneth Radhakrishnan. On the technical front, the film has music composed by Gopikrishnan P N of Drumyuga, with Manu on the editing table and Aashiq doubling up as the cinematographer.