FEATURE FILMS
VALA (Upcoming)
Writer Directed by Muhashin | Starring Lukman Avaran and Dhyan Sreenivasan
My latest feature film collaboration with director Muhashin follows our successful partnership on “Kadina Kadoramee Andakadaham.” While full details remain under wraps, this project continues my exploration of the human condition through the lens of contemporary Kerala society. Working with talented actors like Lukman Avaran (who previously appeared in my directorial debut “Dayom Panthrandum”) and Dhyan Sreenivasan allows for nuanced character development that drives the narrative forward.
KADINA KADORAMEE ANDAKADAHAM (2023)
Writer Directed by Muhashin | Starring Basil Joseph, Indrans, and Jaffer Idukki
This poignant drama set during the COVID-19 pandemic follows Bachu, an ambitious young entrepreneur from Kozhikode who faces mounting challenges while trying to establish his business during lockdown. When his father dies abroad, Bachu must navigate bureaucratic hurdles and travel restrictions to fulfill his mother’s wish to see her husband’s body one last time.
The film explores themes of resilience, familial duty, and the unexpected ways crisis reveals character. Through Bachu’s journey, we witness both the fragility of human ambition and the enduring strength of family bonds when tested by extraordinary circumstances.
The title, which translates to “This Harsh, Severe Universe,” reflects the film’s unflinching look at how global disruption affects individual lives, particularly in communities already navigating economic uncertainty. Basil Joseph’s performance as Bachu captures the determination and vulnerability of a generation whose aspirations collide with unprecedented challenges.
PUZHU (2022)
Writer Directed by Ratheena | Starring Mammootty and Parvathy Thiruvothu
A psychological drama that delves into the destructive power of prejudice and privilege. The film centers on Kuttan (Mammootty), an upper-caste retired police officer whose rigid worldview manifests in controlling behavior toward his son and estrangement from his sister who married outside their caste.
“Puzhu” (meaning “worm” in Malayalam) uses the metaphor of slow consumption to illustrate how bigotry destroys from within. The film opens with a mythological reference to Takshak, who transformed into a worm to kill King Parikshit—setting up the narrative’s exploration of how seemingly small prejudices lead to devastating consequences.
The film garnered critical acclaim for its unflinching examination of casteism in Kerala—a state often perceived as progressive but where caste hierarchies persist in subtle and overt forms. Mammootty’s portrayal of Kuttan, a deeply flawed protagonist consumed by his own prejudice, marked a significant departure from his typical heroic roles and demonstrated his willingness to use his star power to address challenging social issues.
Through its carefully constructed character dynamics and atmospheric tension, “Puzhu” creates an uncomfortable but necessary confrontation with the realities of caste prejudice and its psychological impact on both the oppressor and the oppressed.
UNDA (2019)
Writer Directed by Khalid Rahman | Starring Mammootty
Based on true events, this critically acclaimed film follows a unit of Kerala police officers led by Sub-inspector Manikandan C.P. (Mammootty) deployed to a Maoist-affected area in Chhattisgarh during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Ill-equipped and unprepared for their assignment, the unit finds themselves vulnerable in unfamiliar territory, confronting not only external threats but also their own limitations and prejudices.
“Unda” (meaning “bullet” in Malayalam) derives its title from the critical shortage of ammunition faced by the officers—a literal representation of institutional neglect that leaves them exposed. The film skillfully balances moments of tension, humor, and poignant reflection to create a human drama that resonates beyond its specific setting.
Through characters like PC Biju Kumar (played by Lukman Avaran), a policeman from the Adivasi community, the narrative subtly addresses issues of casteism within the force and the broader social context. One of the film’s most powerful scenes features Biju delivering a quiet yet searing monologue about the passive and aggressive casteism he and his community confront daily.
The film received widespread acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the anxieties and moral dilemmas faced by ordinary officers thrust into extraordinary circumstances, as well as its nuanced commentary on institutional failures, regional disparities, and social hierarchies that persist despite Kerala’s progressive reputation.
DAYOM PANTHRANDUM (2014)
Writer & Director Starring Abu, Ukru D Poshini, Manish Acharya, and Lukman Avaran
My directorial debut follows a group of youngsters on an unpredictable journey that begins as a filmmaking adventure but evolves into a more profound encounter with reality. The title, which translates to “Dice and Twelve,” references the element of chance that drives both the narrative and the characters’ evolving understanding of themselves and their surroundings.
As the protagonists venture into the forest and encounter a tribal man who becomes their guide, the film explores themes of discovery, privilege, and the contrast between manufactured narrative and lived experience. Through their journey, the characters—and by extension, the audience—are led from “the ease and comfort of filmmaking to the harshness of reality which the forest unfolds.”
This independent film, made with lesser-known actors and modest resources, established my distinctive approach to storytelling that would carry through to my later, more mainstream works. Though it had limited theatrical distribution, “Dayom Panthrandum” found appreciative audiences through cinephile collectives and film festivals, including the Kochi Muziris Biennale.
The film’s production was a collaborative effort that included dialogue written by Muhsin Parari, who would later gain recognition for projects like “KL10-Pathu” and “Sudani From Nigeria.” This early collaboration exemplifies the creative community that has been integral to my artistic development.
TELEVISION & STREAMING
SERIES
BLINDFOLD (2025)
Writer Directed by Anzarulla | Starring Arjun Radhakrishnan and Lijo Mol
My first venture into long-form storytelling, “Blindfold” breaks new ground as Sony LIV’s first Malayalam original web series, scheduled to stream in July 2025. This political drama explores the lives of undertrials charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), examining the complex intersection of law, justice, and civil liberties in contemporary society.
The series delves into questions rarely addressed in mainstream entertainment: What happens to individuals caught in the machinery of anti-terrorism laws? How do prolonged trials without conviction affect families and communities? Where is the line between security measures and civil rights?
Through multiple character arcs and interwoven storylines, “Blindfold” offers viewers a nuanced look at how broader political forces shape individual destinies. The format of a series allows for deeper character development and more comprehensive exploration of systemic issues than is possible within the constraints of feature films.
Working with talented actors Arjun Radhakrishnan and Lijo Mol in lead roles, and collaborating with director Anzarulla, this project represents an exciting evolution in my storytelling approach while maintaining my commitment to socially relevant narratives that challenge audiences to question established perspectives.