Prathichaya first half review: Nivin Pauly’s political drama explores power and public image
The film’s release during an election period, coupled with its apparent parallels to a prominent political figure from Kerala’s recent history, is likely to spark considerable discussion and debate.
The film’s release during an election period, coupled with its apparent parallels to a prominent political figure from Kerala’s recent history, is likely to spark considerable discussion and debate.
The film’s release during an election period, coupled with its apparent parallels to a prominent political figure from Kerala’s recent history, is likely to spark considerable discussion and debate.
Amid the wave of thrillers and fantasy films currently dominating Mollywood, B Unnikrishnan returns with Prathichaya, a political thriller that is among the first few films in 2026 to explore this genre.
The film’s release during an election period, coupled with its apparent parallels to a prominent political figure from Kerala’s recent history, is likely to spark considerable discussion and debate. This timely context adds an additional layer of relevance and curiosity around the film even before the narrative begins to unfold.
One of the film’s most striking aspects is its willingness to engage with controversial themes and the intricate power dynamics that shape political life. By attempting to decode the carefully constructed public images of politicians, Prathichaya moves beyond surface-level drama and ventures into a more probing exploration of perception, influence, and political theatre. At the heart of this exploration lie family and personal relationships, which form the emotional core of the narrative.
Nivin Pauly and Balachandran Menon lend emotional weight to the story with their performances, while Sharafudheen, Harisree Ashokan, and Maniyan Pillai Raju appear in significant supporting roles, contributing to the film’s layered character landscape.
As with his earlier works, the film once again showcases Unnikrishnan’s trademark strength: his ability to present central characters with a distinct sense of style and grandeur.