Popular Malayalam actor Antony Varghese, fondly known as Pepe, suffered a serious hand fracture while filming a high-intensity elephant fight sequence for his upcoming action film Kattalan in Thailand.
The accident occurred during the weekend’s outdoor shoot, forcing the production to immediately halt filming. The actor, who is well-known for performing his own stunts, reportedly lost balance while executing a complex action sequence, resulting in the injury.
🎬 Accident Halts ‘Kattalan’ Shoot in Thailand
According to production sources, the scene involved an elephant chase sequence in a dense forest area. While safety measures were in place, an unexpected movement during the shot led to the mishap.
“Antony suffered a fracture in his right hand and has been advised complete rest for several weeks,”
a crew member said.
“The team has paused filming indefinitely until he recovers.”
The actor is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Thailand and will return to India soon for further treatment.
The incident has delayed the current shooting schedule, which was originally planned to wrap up by mid-October.
🐘 About Kattalan: A Forest Action Thriller
Directed by Paul George and produced by Cubes Entertainment, Kattalan is described as a high-octane action thriller set in a forest backdrop, blending intense emotion, adventure, and raw physicality.
The production house made its debut with Unni Mukundan’s blockbuster Marco, and Kattalan marks their most ambitious project yet.
The film boasts a power-packed cast, including:
- Antony Varghese (Pepe) in the lead
- Rajisha Vijayan as the female lead
- Veteran actors Siddique and Jagadish in key roles
- Telugu actor Sunil in a prominent supporting part
The music is composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, known for his work in Kirik Party and Kantara, while the cinematography captures the rugged wilderness of Thailand’s forest landscapes.
Originally scheduled for release on October 31, the film’s release will now be postponed, with a new date to be announced once Pepe resumes filming.
💬 Antony Varghese’s Recovery and Career
Antony, who rose to fame with Angamaly Diaries, is admired for his physically demanding performances and action-oriented roles.
2025 was shaping up to be a crucial year for the actor, with Kattalan following the release of his boxing drama Daveed, which opened to strong reviews earlier this year.
Fans flooded social media with get-well-soon messages after news of his injury broke. Hashtags like #GetWellSoonPepe and #Kattalan trended across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with industry colleagues also wishing him a speedy recovery.
“Antony is a powerhouse of energy. Knowing his determination, he’ll bounce back stronger,”
wrote one co-star from the Kattalan crew.
🎥 Production Paused, New Schedule Awaited
Producers have confirmed that the Thailand schedule will resume only after Antony’s medical clearance, prioritising his health and safety.
“Our team’s priority is Pepe’s recovery. The shoot will resume once doctors give the green signal,”
a spokesperson from Cubes Entertainment said in a statement.
Despite the setback, Kattalan remains one of Mollywood’s most anticipated films of 2025, especially for its scale, technical finesse, and cross-language release.
The film will be dubbed in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, positioning it as a pan-Indian action spectacle.
