Esther Anil, the beloved child star who captured hearts as Anumol “Anu” George in the blockbuster Drishyam franchise, has transformed into a stunning young actress making waves across Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu cinema. Born on August 27, 2001, this 23-year-old sensation from Wayanad, Kerala, continues to surprise audiences with her evolution from child performer to leading lady.
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Esther Anil From Wayanad to Stardom: The Journey Begins
Esther debuted as a child artist in the Malayalam film Nallavan in 2010, launching a career that would span over 15 years. She is the daughter of Anil Abraham and Manju Anil, and started her movie career with the film Nallavan, in which she did the childhood role of actress Mythili.
Her early roles in films like Cocktail, Oru Naal Varum, and Njanum Ente Familiyum were well-received, setting the stage for her breakthrough performance.
| Esther Anil Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | August 27, 2001, Wayanad, Kerala |
| Age | 23 years (as of 2025) |
| Parents | Anil Abraham, Manju Anil |
| Debut | Nallavan (Malayalam, 2010) |
| Breakthrough | Drishyam (2013) |
| Award | Kerala Film Critics Association Award (2016) |
| Languages | Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu |
The Drishyam Phenomenon: Pan-South Recognition
She is best known for her role as Anumol “Anu” George in the 2013 film Drishyam and its sequel Drishyam 2. This role not only established her as a household name but also opened doors to other South Indian film industries.
She reprised her role from Drishyam in the Telugu and Tamil remakes, Drushyam and Papanasam (2015), respectively, working alongside legendary actors like Mohanlal, Kamal Haasan, and Venkatesh.
Esther Anil who started her career as a child star in Malayalam cinema won hearts of the Tamil people by playing the teenage daughter of Kamal Haasan in ‘Papanasam’ released in 2015.
Awards and Recognition: Critical Acclaim
Esther has won Kerala Film Critics Association Awards for the Best Child Artist in 2016, recognizing her exceptional talent at a young age. This achievement highlighted her ability to deliver powerful performances despite her youth.
For comprehensive updates on Malayalam child stars turned actresses, explore our entertainment coverage.
2025: The Adult Actress Era
As Esther transitions into adult roles, her recent photoshoots and film appearances have surprised netizens who remember her as the little girl from Drishyam. With the huge success of ‘Papanasam’, little Esther Anil became a darling for all. Her character as the youngest daughter of Kamalhaasan’s role was well acclaimed.
Esther Anil who is one of the main characters in the all language blockbuster hit ‘Drishyam’ has grown up from a child to a pretty young actress along with the film.
Career Evolution: Strategic Growth
Phase 1 (2010-2013): Child artist establishment with Nallavan and supporting roles Phase 2 (2013-2021): Breakthrough with Drishyam franchise across multiple languages Phase 3 (2022-Present): Transition to adult roles and leading lady positions
She played the heroine in the unreleased Tamil film, indicating her move toward more mature, romantic roles.
Multi-Industry Success: Pan-South Appeal
Esther Anil is an Indian actress, model and TV host, who works mainly in the Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu film industry. Her ability to seamlessly work across three major South Indian film industries demonstrates remarkable versatility.
This pan-South appeal makes her valuable for filmmakers looking for actresses who can connect with diverse regional audiences.
Stay updated with South Indian cinema transformations and career journeys.
Platform Recognition and Digital Presence
Her presence on major platforms like IMDb, Apple TV, and FilmiBeat indicates established industry recognition and growing streaming platform visibility.
What Makes Esther Special
Childhood Legacy: Strong foundation built through memorable child performances Multi-Lingual Success: Comfortable working across Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu cinema Franchise Power: Integral part of the successful Drishyam universe Natural Evolution: Graceful transition from child star to adult actress
Looking Ahead: Future Prospects
Esther is now one of the well known faces in the Malayalam movie industry. With her established fan base and proven acting abilities, she’s positioned for sustained success as she takes on more mature roles.
Her journey represents one of the most successful child-star-to-adult-actress transformations in recent South Indian cinema history.
For detailed actress career transformations and South Indian cinema insights, check our comprehensive coverage.
For more child stars success stories and Malayalam cinema updates, bookmark our entertainment portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did Esther Anil become famous and what are her most notable films?
A: Esther Anil became famous through her role as Anumol “Anu” George in the 2013 blockbuster “Drishyam” and its sequel “Drishyam 2.” She reprised this role in the Telugu remake “Drushyam” and Tamil remake “Papanasam” (2015) with Kamal Haasan. She started as a child artist in “Nallavan” (2010) and won the Kerala Film Critics Association Award for Best Child Artist in 2016.
Q: What is Esther Anil doing now in 2025 and how has she transformed?
A: In 2025, Esther Anil has transformed from a child star to a leading lady at age 23, working across Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu film industries. She’s transitioning to adult roles and has surprised fans with her grown-up appearance in recent photoshoots. She continues to work as an actress, model, and TV host, expanding beyond her childhood fame into mature performances.
