Virus movie: Nipah heroes who inspired lead roles in Aashiq Abu-thriller

Pulling off a survival thriller based on actual events is not an easy feat, especially one featuring a group of well-known stars. The movie, in a way, is a tribute to the brave hearts who lead Kerala's fightback against the killer virus. Here are a few in that list that you shouldn't miss.

Pulling off a survival thriller based on actual events is not an easy feat, especially one featuring a group of well-known stars. The movie, in a way, is a tribute to the brave hearts who lead Kerala's fightback against the killer virus. Here are a few in 

TOVINO THOMAS: The new-gen Mollywood superstar is Paul Abraham IAS - a smart IAS officer who leads the district administration from front during the darkest hour. His character is inspired by UV Jose who was the Kozhikode District Collector during the time of the outbreak. (Photos | Facebook, EPS)

REVATHY: Probably the best casting in the movie, the senior actor is Minister CK Prameela, who is fondly called 'Teacher' by her subordinates. The charecter is based on Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja, whose leadership was instrumental in containing the outbreak. Often called ' Shailaja teacher,' the law maker from Kuthuparamba is among the most popular ministers of the state. (Photos | Facebook)

KUNCHAKO BOBAN: The actor known for his romantic heroes played the role of Dr Suresh Rajan in the movie. The character was based on Dr Govindakarnavar Arunkumar of the Manipal Centre for Virus Research, who played a crucial role in identifying the deadly new virus as Nipah. (Photos | Facebook)

INDRAJITH SUKUMARAN: When cremation of the Nipah victims becomes impossible in local crematorium due to public disagreement, Dr Baburaj is District Collector Paul Abraham's go-to man. The tough and strong character is based on Kozhikode health officer Dr RS Gopakumar, who handled the last rites of 12 victims during last year's outbreak. (Photos | Facebook)

PARVATHY: In Virus, Dr Annu visits Perambra in a effort to track the outbreak's origin and epidemiological links connecting all patinets to the first infected person. Her findings later becomes instrumental in the dismissal of all conspiracy theories. The 'CID Doctor,' in real life, was Dr Seethu Ponnu Thampi whose efforts to track Nipah's roots were appreciated by medical officers. (Photos | Facebook)

RIMA KALLINGAL: Popular actor and the wife of the director Aashiq Abu, Rima appears on screen as sister Akhila. The character is the on-screen portrayal of sister Lini, who contracted the disease while attending the first few cases and later passed away. Lini's husband Sajeesh was emotional after watching the movie and applauded Rima's performance saying she reminded him of his late wife. (Photos | Facebook)

SHARAFUDHEEN: The Premam-fame is Sandeep, husband of sister Akhila. His character is based on Sajeesh, who lost his wife on the line of duty. An emotional letter sister Lini wrote to Sajeesh on her deathbed was later made public and had broken hearts of many. (Photos | Facebook, EPS)