The Kunchacko Boban and Lijomol Jose psychological thriller from India’s T-Series and Panorama Studios has confirmed its title as “Unmadham,” a Malayalam-language word meaning “frenzy.” The producers unveiled a first look poster on Saturday for the film, and an August release date.
Helmed by Kiran Das, “Unmadham” marks the feature directorial debut of one of Malayalam cinema’s most prominent editors. Das is a Kerala State Film Award winner for “Ishq” who has cut a string of acclaimed titles including “Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum,” “Joji,” “Moothon,” “Romancham,” “Rorschach,” “Joseph,” and “Ela Veezha Poonchira.”
The screenplay comes from Indian National Film Award-winning writer Shahi Kabir, who previously worked with Boban on “Officer On Duty” and is also known for “Nayattu” and “Joseph.” The story centers on a police constable whose already strained domestic life grows more precarious when he reopens a cold case with apparent supernatural dimensions, his grip on reality loosening the deeper he investigates.
“‘Unmadham’ is about the frenzy that builds quietly within a person. My character is torn between responsibility and doubt, and as the case unfolds, his world begins to shift in unexpected ways. It’s a role that demanded emotional intensity and restraint at the same time,” Boban said.
“What excited me about ‘Unmadham’ is the tension at its heart – a simple police constable reopening a forgotten case that slowly begins to consume his life and sanity. At Panorama Studios, we believe in backing stories that challenge and engage viewers, and ‘Unmadham’ is exactly that – gripping, unpredictable, and rooted in powerful performances,” said Abhishek Pathak, producer at Panorama Studios.
“‘Unmadham’ is the kind of story that stays with you; it’s layered with psychological intensity and emotionally grounded narrative. The film’s unique blend of suspense with human conflict, set against a gripping investigative backdrop is what makes it a compelling cinematic experience,” said Bhushan Kumar, chair and managing director of T-Series.
“With ‘Unmadham,’ we wanted to create an experience that keeps the audience constantly questioning what is real and what isn’t. It’s a film that builds tension in a very grounded way. Collaborating with T-Series on this slate has allowed us to scale these stories and reach a wider audience,” said Kumar Mangat Pathak, chair of Panorama Studios.
The score is by Mujeeb Majeed (“Kishkindha Kandam”), action is by Kalai Kingson (“Marco,” “Bhramayugam”) and Arjun Seth serves as cinematographer. Gulshan Kumar and Bhushan Kumar present alongside Panorama Studios; Ram Mirchandani and Rajesh Menon co-produce, with Abhinav Mehrotra as creative producer.
“Unmadham” is part of the joint Malayalam slate assembled by T-Series and Panorama Studios, which released “Anomie,” starring Rehman and Bhavana, earlier this year and has Asif Ali starrer “Tikitaka” upcoming. Panorama Studios has also entered a Malayalam co-production partnership with actor-producer Nivin Pauly, and struck distribution alliances with Century Films and overseas distributor Phars Film. “Unmadham” opens in cinemas Aug. 7.
Leave a Reply