The makers of Saiju Kurup-starrer Lurk unveiled the trailer of the upcoming film directed by M A Nishad and written by Jubin Jacob. Set against the backdrop of human-wildlife conflict, the film is scheduled to hit theatres on July 24.
The trailer opens with aerial shots of a forest before introducing a tiger prowling. Over these visuals, Saiju's character declares, "Forests must be protected. Wildlife must be protected. But above all, people must be protected." As tensions escalate, another voice identifies the animal as a Royal Bengal tiger, followed by a shot of the animal carrying a severed human hand. The trailer goes on to introduce a police officer and hints at an operation to track down the animal. Officials are seen discussing the need for an experienced hunter, while another character adds with the line, "I thought wild animals were the most dangerous. I was wrong... These are the ones we should fear." The trailer suggests that the film revolves around a mission to hunt a tiger that has claimed multiple human lives, while also touching upon the social and political dimensions surrounding such incidents.
As per the makers, Lurk explores a subject that has remained in the public eye in Kerala amid recurring wildlife attacks and debates over conservation and public safety. Earlier, Nishad had said that the title refers to "lying in wait", reflecting one of the film's central ideas. Produced by R Harikumar under the banner of Kerala Talkies, the film also stars Anumol, Aju Varghese and Manju Pillai in pivotal roles. The ensemble cast also includes Prashanth Alexander, TG Ravi, Sudheer Karamana, Muthumani, Jaffer Idukki, Biju Sopanam, Sohan Seenulal, Prashanth Murali and Saritha Kukku, among others. Nishad also appears in a key role.
Lurk has cinematography by Rajeesh Raman, editing by Vipin Mannoor and music by Mineesh Thampan. The film is presented by R Harikumar, with Elite Group of Companies, Brick Street & Co, Zenz Adventure Tours, Arunkumar TV and Manoj Ratnakaran serving as co-producers.
