Kochi: Ivan Vukomanović, former coach of Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters, is making a surprising entry into the Malayalam film industry.

Vukomanović, affectionately called “Ashan” by Malayali fans during his tenure with the Blasters, led the team to several successes before leaving the coaching role last year. Fans were saddened by his departure.

Now, Ashan will appear on the silver screen in a significant role in the upcoming film 'Karam', directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan. Vukomanović will portray the character Andre Nikola, and Vineeth shared the character poster on social media.

“Our beloved ‘. One of the most positive people I have ever met in my life. Aashan, it is an honour to work with you. We all love you,” Vineeth wrote.

The film is being produced by Vineeth Sreenivasan and Visakh Subramaniam under the banner of Merryland Cinemas, following their previous hits 'Hridayam' and 'Varshangalkku Shesham'. Vineeth, who also produced 'Anandam' and 'Helen', is returning as a producer. Noble Babu plays the lead role in 'Karam', which marks Vineeth’s return to the thriller genre after 'Thira'.