In an era where cybercrime has become one of the most pervasive threats, a new Hindi feature film titled ‘Cyberman’ is set to bring this modern menace to the big screen.

The film, inspired by the real-life experiences of Manish Goel, who turned his ordeal as a cybercrime victim into a mission to catch online fraudsters, will feature Miss Global winner Ashley Meléndez in a leading role. The official announcement and poster release recently took place in Mumbai, generating considerable buzz in the film industry.

‘Cyberman’ tells the gripping story of Manish Goel, an ordinary man who, after falling victim to a sophisticated online scam, refused to succumb to defeat. Instead, he channeled his frustration into action, embarking on a relentless pursuit to track down the criminals responsible. His efforts paid off, and he eventually succeeded in bringing the culprits to justice, earning him the moniker ‘Cyberman.’ Today, Manish Goel continues his crusade against cybercrime, helping countless victims recover their lost funds and bringing fraudsters to justice.

The film, produced by Wellgrade Studios Pvt Ltd, is set to begin shooting in February 2025, with locations planned across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Bengaluru. ‘Cyberman’ will mark the Bollywood debut of Ashley Meléndez, who will be joined by Miss Global India Mansi Chaurasia. The cast also includes veteran actor Zakir Hussain, who will play the role of a police officer, along with other notable names in the industry. The film is being produced by Khalid Kidwai and Manish Goel, with Rakesh Shrivastava, a seasoned filmmaker with experience working alongside Anees Bazmee, taking on the roles of writer and director.

The story of ‘Cyberman’ goes beyond entertainment, carrying a powerful message about the importance of awareness and vigilance in the fight against cybercrime. Manish Goel’s real-life efforts have already helped thousands of people recover their money and brought over 500,000 cases to resolution. Despite facing threats from those he pursues, Goel remains undeterred, driven by a mission to protect not just India’s 1.4 billion citizens, but people around the world from the dangers of cyber fraud.

The film’s press conference, attended by Padma Shri Anup Jalota, who offered his best wishes to the team, highlighted the urgency and relevance of the film’s message. “Cybercrime is a growing threat, and ‘Cyberman’ aims to shed light on this issue while providing practical guidance to those who may fall victim,” said Zakir Hussain. He expressed confidence that the film’s powerful narrative and compelling performances would resonate with audiences.

Producer Khalid Kidwai emphasized the film’s educational aspect, noting that “one in every four people in India falls victim to cyber scams.” He shared the story of how he met Ashley Meléndez in Dubai and was inspired to introduce her to Bollywood through this project. Kidwai, who regards the late Om Puri as his godfather in the industry, has also had a long-standing association with Zakir Hussain, further solidifying the film’s strong foundation.

Director Rakesh Shrivastava praised Meléndez for her dedication, noting that she is quickly learning Hindi and hopes to dub her own dialogues. He described the film as a thriller with a message, intended to guide cybercrime victims on how to respond effectively to fraud.

For Manish Goel, ‘Cyberman’ is more than just a film—it is a campaign. “This film is both a dream and a mission for me,” he said. “It is a campaign against those cunning thieves who steal people’s hard-earned money. I urge everyone to speak out if they have been deceived—do not worry about being mocked. Only then can we reach the criminals and dismantle their networks.”

As ‘Cyberman’ gears up for production, anticipation is building for what promises to be a film that not only entertains but also educates and empowers its audience. By bringing Manish Goel’s story to the screen, the film aims to raise awareness about cybercrime and inspire viewers to take action against this growing threat.