In a shocking turn of events, actor Aryan Shyam was reportedly abducted by real-life cannibals while shooting for the horror thriller Antha Naal in the Sathya Mangalam Forest. Directed by Vivy Kathiresan, the film explores themes of black magic and human sacrifice, centering around the worship of Maya Yagini, a goddess associated with such rituals, historically revered by Mughal rulers.
The crew had constructed an elaborate set depicting Maya Yagini, a figure linked to human sacrifice for power, which was banned by Mughal Emperor Akbar due to its contradiction with Islamic practices. During filming, Aryan was kidnapped by individuals believed to engage in these ancient and grisly practices. Fortunately, the crew reported the incident to local authorities, leading to his rescue without any physical harm.
The unsettling incident raises concerns about the persistence of ritualistic human sacrifice in remote areas, echoing the dark themes portrayed in the film. Initially banned by India’s censor board for its controversial subject matter, Antha Naal has gained international acclaim, winning several awards at film festivals, including Best Actor awards for Aryan Shyam. The film is now set to release in theaters next month, sparking both intrigue and apprehension.