Mar 23, 2026 1:26pm IST
‘Nivin Pauly-starrer ‘Prathichaya’ Is A Father-Son Story’: Director B Unnikrishnan Explains The Central Theme Is The Dynamics Of Their Relationship Against The Backdrop of Politics (EXCLUSIVE)
Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly's, “Prathichaya”, hits the big screen on March 26. This is his second release this year after “Baby Girl”. An intriguing political thriller was hinted at the movie's trailer and poster launch. Director B Unnikrishnan clears the air around “Prathichaya”, and how Nivin Pauly embodied his character; in a conversation with Variety India.
The director, known for Malayalam commercial hits like “Grandmaster” and “Pramani”, stresses that Prathichaya is more than a political thriller. He calls it a film that fundamentally examines a father-son bond, saying, "The main protagonist is a loving son who looks up to his father, a well-known politician. The central theme of the film is the dynamics of their relationship. All I've done is put them in the context of politics and power struggles."
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He adds that “Prathichaya” is a full-fledged family drama that also explores the harsh circumstances faced by these two characters as their reputation is put at stake. Unnikrishnan has also written the screenplay of the same. The director, who is collaborating with Pauly for the first time, states that he is certain that he has never played a character like this, ever before. The filmmaker was generous in his praise for Pauly.
He tells us, "Nivin did a fantastic job portraying the role, and giving a spontaneous performance. I was able to work with him effortlessly because he is a versatile actor." Prathichaya, which is bankrolled by Sree Gokulam Movies & RD Illuminations LLP, also stars Balachandra Menon, Sharaf U Dheen, Harisree Ashokan and Vishnu Agasthya in pivotal roles.
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