Actress Raiza Wilson's upcoming horror science-fiction thriller 'Nova', directed by first-time feature filmmaker Milo, has received a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), clearing the path for its worldwide theatrical release on 25 September 2026. The film blends horror, supernatural fantasy, action, and science-fiction in what Wilson has described as 'a fun sci-fi film for everyone.'

What Wilson Said About the Certification

Wilson shared the CBFC clearance news on her Instagram page, posting a certified U/A poster with the caption, 'A fun sci-fi film for everyone.' The release date had earlier been confirmed via a poster unveiled on the occasion of Vinayakar Chathurthi, signalling the makers' intention to ride festive audience momentum ahead of the theatrical premiere.

Behind the Camera: A Demanding Shoot in Marayoor

Principal photography for 'Nova' took place largely in the forests of Marayoor, Kerala — including inside protected sandalwood forests, where securing filming permissions is reportedly a considerable challenge. Wilson has spoken candidly about the punishing conditions on set. 'There were many challenges — blood-sucking leeches, constant mist and rain, the intimidating sounds of wild animals, and muddy, slippery paths,' she explained in earlier interviews.

She added that the physical demands caught her off guard: 'Before going there, I thought the shoot would be quite easy. I had no idea it would be so demanding. I have never faced such difficulties in any of my previous films. Despite all this, we completed the shoot on schedule without delays.'

The Story Structure and Wilson's Role

Wilson, best known for her breakout role in 'Pyaar Prema Kaadhal', described the narrative as unconventional. 'The film is structured like a story within a story. I play an important character that appears in the flashback portions,' she said. The genre mix — threading action, thriller, and science-fiction together — is something the actress said she had never attempted before. For the film's action sequences, she underwent specialised training under stunt master Vimal Rambo, building on fight choreography she had already received for her earlier film 'Mr. X'.

Wilson credited director Milo for maintaining morale through the gruelling schedule. 'It is remarkable that he chose such a complex story for his very first feature film. It takes a lot of courage. He worked extremely hard and deserves appreciation for it,' she said.

Cast and Crew

The ensemble cast alongside Wilson includes Dhruva of 'Aanmai Thavarael', Adviti Shetty, Bengali actress Krithika Biswas, Malayalam actor Joe John Chacko, Sendrayan, and popular YouTube personalities Finally Swathika and Finally Krishna. The film marks debut director Milo's first feature, making the CBFC clearance a particularly significant milestone for the production team.

What to Watch For

'Nova' arrives in cinemas worldwide on 25 September 2026. With its unusual genre blend and a shoot that pushed its lead actor to physical limits rarely seen in Tamil cinema, the film enters theatres carrying considerable pre-release buzz — and the rare promise of a mainstream U/A horror science-fiction experience aimed at family audiences.