The highly anticipated Malayalam film, Checkmate, starring Anoop Menon, is creating a buzz as its second poster has been unveiled. Directed and written by debutant Ratish Sekhar, the film is set to release in August.

The newly released poster features the lead actors—Anoop Menon, Rajalekshmy C and Rekha Harindran—showing various expressions that hint at the suspenseful nature of the film. Rekha Harindran, who has previously appeared in a cameo role as a child actor in Sathyan Anthikad’s Pappan Priyappetta Pappan, makes her debut as a lead actress in Checkmate. She is also a recipient of the Kerala Critics Film Award for Best Actor in a Debut Role.

Anoop Menon shared the poster on his Instagram with the caption, "The inside story of that elusive vaccine," giving fans a sneak peek into the film’s intriguing plot. This caption suggests a storyline centred around a mysterious vaccine, adding to the suspense.

Checkmate is touted to be a suspense thriller, with Ratish Sekhar directing and writing and serving as the cinematographer and composer. The film features a diverse cast including Lal, Swapneel Batra and Noel Ramos. The music for the film is composed by Ruslan Perezhilo, while Prejish Prakash handles the editing.

According to Anoop Menon, Checkmate is the most expensive film of his career, with the entire movie being shot in New York and various locations across the United States.

In addition to Checkmate, Anoop Menon has several upcoming projects, including Beautiful 2, Ram and Devadaruvile Manju. Starting his career as an anchor, Anoop gradually transitioned into acting. Despite facing challenges in adapting to acting, he has carved out a successful career. In an interview with Film Companion, he mentioned that he does not possess traditional skills like dancing, fighting, or having a six-pack, yet he has thrived in the industry.