Kunchacko Boban’s ‘Unmadham’: Shahi Kabir tests supernatural turf, doesn't quite nail the shivers | Review

Ghost stories inside a police station? A case file believed to be so cursed that even seasoned cops refuse to touch it? Unusual as it may sound, it is precisely this bizarre premise that screenwriter Shahi Kabir and director Kiran Das builds ‘Unmadham’ around. Known for crafting some of Malayalam cinema's most compelling police dramas, Shahi once again demonstrates his knack for drawing audiences in, this time by blending the familiar world of policing with an unsettling tale of fear, superstition and the human mind.

In a way, ‘Unmadham’ is quite a detour for Shahi Kabir. Films like ‘Officer on Duty’ and ‘Ronth’ were firmly rooted in reality, drawing from authentic police investigations and real-world issues such as organ trafficking and the growing menace of drug abuse among youngsters. ‘Unmadham’, as it ventures into supernatural territory, is a risky shift for a writer whose biggest strength has always been realism.

The challenge lies in making audiences believe in a story that flirts with the supernatural without losing its grounding in reality. For the most part, ‘Unmadham’ pulls off that delicate balancing act, blending psychological unease with procedural realism in a way that feels convincing. Yet, while the film succeeds in drawing viewers into its eerie world, it struggles to sustain that intrigue through its final stretch, with the narrative losing some of its grip as it heads towards the climax.

‘Unmadham’ opens on a personal note. Kunchacko Boban plays Shelly, a police officer who has taken leave from service to chase his long-cherished dream of making it in the film industry. It is a decision driven by passion, but one that comes at a cost. His wife Soumya (Lijomol Jose), a working professional herself, bears the brunt of the family's financial uncertainty, navigating the emotional and economic strain that comes with supporting someone pursuing an unconventional dream.

There is a certain autobiographical quality to these early portions. The film's portrayal of a policeman facing ridicule, self-doubt and the practical hardships of stepping away from the security of a government job feels deeply personal, especially considering Shahi Kabir's own journey from police officer to filmmaker. Just as he returns to duty, he is transferred, following an unexpected turn of events, to a police station where an old, mysterious case file, one that many believe is cursed and best left untouched, sets off the chain of events that drives the rest of the film.

The central mystery is undeniably intriguing and keeps the audience invested for much of the film. However, as the layers are gradually peeled away, the narrative doesn't quite deliver the depth its premise promises. While the eventual revelations explain the motivations of both the protagonist and the antagonist, the emotional and logical payoff feels less compelling than expected. Certain developments require a considerable suspension of disbelief, leaving a few crucial questions insufficiently answered. As a result, what begins as a gripping psychological mystery ultimately falls short of fully capitalising on the intrigue it so carefully builds.

Kunchacko Boban, who has collaborated with Shahi Kabir on several occasions, once again delivers a compelling performance as Shelly. The actor has often spoken about how he has evolved over the years, and ‘Unmadham’ is another reminder of that growth. While traces of the quiet intensity he brought to his police officers in ‘Nayattu’ and ‘Officer on Duty’ are evident here, Shelly is weighed down by a different kind of emotional burden. Kunchacko captures that internal conflict with admirable restraint, making the character's fears, disappointments and vulnerabilities feel deeply authentic.

Lijomol Jose, is equally impressive as Soumya. She lends warmth and emotional heft to the film, convincingly portraying a woman torn between supporting her husband's dreams and coping with the realities of their uncertain future. Her chemistry with Kunchacko adds an emotional grounding to the narrative. Making his directorial debut, editor Kiran Das displays a confident grasp over the material. His experience in the editing room is evident in the film's measured pacing and controlled storytelling, allowing the mystery to unfold organically without losing sight of the emotional core. The visual effects, too, are effectively integrated into the narrative, enhancing the film's psychological atmosphere without overwhelming it.

Overall, ‘Unmadham’ is an intriguing psychological mystery that keeps the audience invested with its unusual premise and measured storytelling. However, while it succeeds in creating an unsettling atmosphere and balancing realism with elements of superstition, it doesn't quite deliver the emotional poignancy or narrative payoff that has come to define Shahi Kabir's writing.