Asif Ali: Didn’t realise how dangerous the Nipah outbreak was till I reached the sets of Virus

Ever since Aashiq Abu announced that he is doing a film based on last year’s Nipah

virus

outbreak, those in Kerala have been eagerly awaiting the movie’s release. The film, which will release on June 7, has Asif Ali reportedly playing patient zero.

The actor, who was lauded for his role as Govind in Uyare, recently told us about playing the character of

Nipah

virus infected victim in the movie. “I remember going to the sets on Virus and being informed that it’s a performance-oriented role. However, when I reached there I realised I had zero idea about the mood of the film. I have only watched movies of this genre and have only read about Nipah. So, my information was limited. However, from Day 1, I realised that what I knew was not the reality of Kozhikode during the

Nipah outbreak

. I understood how dangerous it was and how majority of us were unaffected,” says Asif.

The Vijay Superum Pournamiyum actor says that he expressed his apprehensions to Aashiq. “He asked me not to worry because our writers are from Kozhikode and they have researched very well. So, they gave me all the inputs required,” reveals the actor.

Aashiq and

Asif

had previously collaborated in Salt N’ Pepper. On working with him again, Asif says, “I could feel the same vibe we had in Salt N’ Pepper, and Syam ettan (Pushkaran) and Madhu (C Narayanan) chettan were all there at the sets of Virus too. They were also part of the old gang and so it was fun. Before leaving, even Aashiqkka told me, ‘From now on, please pick our calls’.”