MY JOURNEY
Born and raised in Kozhikode, Kerala, I found my voice as a storyteller through observation and exploration of the world around me. From an early age, I was drawn to narratives that challenged conventional thinking and offered new perspectives on familiar realities. My childhood in the culturally rich environment of northern Kerala instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of stories to illuminate human experiences.
My formal journey into filmmaking began in 2008 with the short film “Peace Process,” shot entirely on a handheld camera. This experimental project used the simple story of a cat as an allegory for the country’s complex political climate—a technique of using the ordinary to represent the extraordinary that would become a recurring element in my work.
After several years of short films and collaborative projects, I made my feature film debut with “Daayam 12,” a work born from necessity and creative determination. Named after a traditional street game from my hometown in Thazhangad, Vadakara, the film follows a group of young people on a road trip, some aspiring filmmakers, documenting their journey. The narrative takes a significant turn when a Dalit man named Muthoran joins their predominantly upper-caste, urban group, subtly exposing social prejudices and asking uncomfortable questions about how we perceive and interact with others. True to my filmmaking philosophy, “Daayam 12” doesn’t announce its politics loudly but invites viewers to discover deeper meanings through suggestion and nuance, using the ordinary to illuminate the extraordinary.
My career took a significant turn when I wrote two blockbuster films starring Malayalam cinema legend Mammootty. “Unda” and “Puzhu” both garnered critical acclaim and commercial success while staying true to my storytelling principles. These films allowed me to reach wider audiences without compromising my ideals or political convictions, proving that socially conscious cinema can also be commercially viable.
Throughout my journey in cinema, I’ve forged my own path through hard work and determination. In an industry often driven by commercial formulas and market trends, I’ve remained committed to creating stories that matter—films that entertain while quietly challenging audiences to reflect on social realities. This dedication to authentic storytelling, rooted in my political convictions and life experiences, continues to define my work as I explore new narratives that bridge the gap between artistic integrity and popular appeal.
MY CREATIVE APPROACH
I see cinema primarily as a medium for thoughts and ideas rather than merely a form of entertainment. This philosophy guides my approach to screenwriting—I craft stories that communicate with mass audiences while remaining true to my artistic vision and social consciousness.
“I see cinema as a medium for my thoughts. I always wanted to do a mainstream film that communicates with the masses.”
My narratives often feature characters navigating personal and systemic challenges, their individual stories serving as entry points to explore larger social questions. Whether examining caste dynamics in “Puzhu,” institutional vulnerabilities in “Unda,” or the impact of the pandemic in “Kadina Kadoramee Andakadaham,” my work consistently engages with the social realities of contemporary Kerala.
While never shying away from difficult subjects, I strive to present complex themes through accessible storytelling. I believe in the power of cinema to foster empathy and understanding, particularly around issues that might otherwise remain unaddressed in public discourse.
INFLUENCES AND INSPIRATIONS
My work is shaped by the rich tradition of Malayalam literature and cinema, with its legacy of socially conscious storytelling. I draw inspiration from the everyday lives of people around me, finding extraordinary narratives in ordinary experiences.
The cultural and political landscape of Kerala, with its unique blend of progressive ideals and persistent social hierarchies, provides a constantly evolving context for my stories. I’m particularly interested in exploring the contradictions within Kerala society—the gap between its celebrated literacy and progressive reputation and the continuing realities of casteism, religious tension, and economic inequality.
In terms of cinematic influences, I admire filmmakers who balance artistic integrity with accessibility, creating works that reach wide audiences while never compromising on their vision or values.