The release of Anali, the upcoming JioHotstar Malayalam web series reportedly inspired by the Koodathayi cyanide killings, has been stayed by an Ernakulam court until the completion of the trials in the criminal cases registered against Jolly Joseph at the Kodanchery and Thamarassery police stations.
The Ernakulam Additional Munsiff Court passed the order while allowing a petition filed by Jolly, who argued that releasing the series could prejudice the ongoing trial in the Koodathayi case. The court observed that the petitioner had, prima facie, presented sufficient facts to establish a connection between her and the web series.
The court also noted that Jolly has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with law. It further observed that if the series identifies the petitioner as its central character and portrays her as the actual perpetrator, any damage caused to her dignity and reputation could not be adequately remedied through compensation later. Jolly had argued that portraying her as guilty before the conclusion of the trial would seriously affect her rights to privacy, dignity and a fair trial.
Directed by Aadu filmmaker Midhun Manuel Thomas, Anali stars Leona Lishoy and Nikhila Vimal in prominent roles, with Dies Irae-fame Jibin Gopinath also part of the cast. The series, produced by Asiaville Studios, marks Midhun's web series debut and is jointly scripted by him and John Manthrickal. The makers said the show completed its "final wrap" in February, more than a year after Leona initially announced filming had wrapped in July 2024. The makers subsequently unveiled Leona's first-look poster in August.
Anali is reportedly inspired by the Koodathayi cyanide killings, in which Jolly was accused of murdering six members of her family over a period of 14 years. Leona is said to play a character modelled on Jolly. The series had earlier been granted an interim stay by the Munsiff Court following Jolly's petition. JioHotstar India, the producer and streaming platform, subsequently approached the Kerala High Court, arguing that a delay in the show's release would result in significant financial losses. The High Court then directed the Munsiff Court to dispose of the petition expeditiously.
