Actress Raiza Wilson's much-anticipated horror science-fiction supernatural fantasy thriller 'Nova', directed by Milo, is set to release on 25 September 2026. The makers made the announcement on Monday, choosing the occasion of Vinayakar Chathurthi to drop a poster confirming the release date.

A Debut Film of Unusual Ambition

'Nova' marks director Milo's debut feature, a bold choice given the project's multi-genre complexity — blending action, thriller, science-fiction, and supernatural horror. The film is structured as a story within a story, with Raiza Wilson portraying a pivotal character who appears in flashback sequences. The choice of a non-linear, layered narrative for a first film has drawn admiration from the cast.

'It is remarkable that he chose such a complex story for his very first feature film. It takes a lot of courage,' Wilson said, adding that Milo maintained an energetic and positive atmosphere on set throughout the gruelling schedule.

Shot in the Sandalwood Forests of Marayoor, Kerala

The film's production took place in the dense forests of Marayoor in Kerala, including inside protected sandalwood forests — locations for which obtaining official permission is notoriously difficult. Wilson, best known for her breakout role in 'Pyaar Prema Kaadhal', described the shoot as the most physically demanding of her career.

'There were many challenges — blood-sucking leeches, constant mist and rain, the intimidating sounds of wild animals, and muddy, slippery paths. Before going there, I thought the shoot would be quite easy. I had no idea it would be so demanding,' she said. Despite the adversity, the production completed on schedule without delays.

Action Sequences and Specialised Stunt Training

Wilson underwent specialised fight training for the film's action sequences, delivered under the guidance of stunt master Vimal Rambo. She noted that prior fight training for her film 'Mr. X' gave her a head start. 'Since it rained most of the time, I often had to sit on set in wet clothes. The action scenes I performed were filmed there,' she explained.

'The movie combines elements of action, thriller, and science-fiction. I have never acted in a story or role like this before, which is exactly why I was drawn to it,' Wilson added, underscoring her own excitement about the departure from earlier work.

The Ensemble Cast

Beyond Wilson, 'Nova' features a diverse ensemble. Dhruva of 'Aanmai Thavarael', Adviti Shetty, Bengali actress Krithika Biswas, Malayalam actor Joe John Chacko, and Sendrayan round out the principal cast. YouTube personalities Finally Swathika and Finally Krishna also appear in the film, reflecting a contemporary casting approach that bridges traditional cinema and digital fame.

What to Expect at the Box Office

With its genre-blending premise, a high-profile lead, and a freshly confirmed release date, 'Nova' is positioned as one of the more distinctive Tamil releases this month. How the film performs will also be a closely watched indicator of audience appetite for home-grown science-fiction horror in Tamil cinema — a genre with limited precedent at this scale.