Malayalam filmgoers eager to catch every film of sultry siren Shakeela may be in for a shock as her forthcoming film - "Ee Abhaya Theeram" - features her as a nun!

In the film, that hits theatres Jan 26, Shakeela dons the role of a nun, Mary.

"It is after four years that I am returning to Malayalam films and I got instantly attracted to the story when I heard it. I decided that this is a good role for me," said Shakeela. She has shown off her figure in 50-odd Malayalam films.

Producer Snoba K. Bose, who has also scripted the film, said filmmakers like Priyadarshan should see that Shakeela was also capable of roles much different from her previous ones.

"We are finishing the film on a budget of just Rs.2 million ($46,000)," said Bose.

The film, directed by debutant Alex Thankachen, is on AIDS patients.

"Initially it was Urvashi who had agreed to do the role of the nun. But when she came to the location, she put forward fresh demands, which were not acceptable to us and we decided to drop her. Then after a search we approached Shakeela who agreed after hearing the theme," said Thankachen.

The film also stars Jagadeesh, Mamu Koya and several new faces.