Malayalam cinema superstar Unni Mukundan has officially commenced shooting for Maa Vande, the highly anticipated biographical film chronicling the life of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The makers marked the first day of production with a traditional muhurat pooja ceremony on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Unni Mukundan shared the momentous occasion through social media, posting visuals from the pooja with the caption: “Maa Vande now rolling! A new chapter unfolds to tell the story of the man who forged the destiny of a nation.”
The biopic was first announced on Prime Minister Modi’s 75th birthday on September 17, 2025. Directed by Kranthi Kumar CH and produced by Veer Reddy M under Silver Cast Creations, Maa Vande promises a powerful biographical drama celebrating Indian soil, a mother’s will, and the unyielding determination that shaped the nation’s destiny.
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Unni Mukundan: From Malayalam Action Star to Political Icon
Unni Mukundan’s casting as Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents a significant milestone in the actor’s career. Known primarily for Malayalam cinema, Mukundan has established himself as one of the industry’s most bankable stars, particularly in action films like Marco and Garudan.
The 38-year-old actor, born September 22, 1987, in Thrissur, Kerala, made his debut with the Tamil film Seedan in 2011. His breakthrough came with Malayalam action comedy Mallu Singh in 2012, which ran over 100 days.
His recent blockbuster Marco, released Christmas 2024, became the first Malayalam A-rated film to cross Rs 100 crore. The ultra-violent action thriller solidified his pan-Indian star status, compared to Bollywood’s Animal and Kill.
In 2021, Mukundan won his first National Film Award as producer for Meppadiyan. His production company, Unni Mukundan Films (UMF), has produced several acclaimed films.
| Unni Mukundan Career Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | September 22, 1987 |
| Birthplace | Thrissur, Kerala |
| Film Debut | Seedan (Tamil, 2011) |
| Breakthrough Film | Mallu Singh (2012) |
| Production Company | Unni Mukundan Films (UMF) |
| National Award | Best Producer for Meppadiyan (2021) |
| Highest-Grossing Films | Marco, Malikappuram |
| Marco Box Office | Rs 100+ crore (first A-rated Malayalam film) |
| Upcoming Bollywood Debut | Two Reliance Entertainment projects |
Maa Vande: Chronicling Modi’s Journey
Maa Vande traces Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s journey “from childhood to becoming the leader of the nation,” with particular emphasis on his relationship with his late mother, Heeraben Modi. The makers describe Heeraben as “an unparalleled source of inspiration throughout his journey.”
The narrative traces the evolution of a man shaped by values, sacrifice, and purpose, showcasing not just the leader the world knows but the human journey behind the legacy. The film draws from real-life incidents, weaving together personal and political facets of Modi’s life with authenticity and dignity.
Director Kranthi Kumar CH emphasizes that the attempt is to go beyond power and politics, focusing on the human story of determination and sacrifice. The film chronicles key phases—from early days in Gujarat through Chief Minister tenure to current Prime Minister role.
The title Maa Vande pays homage to both motherland and Modi’s mother, whose influence forms a central emotional thread. The dual reference reflects the film’s intention to present Modi as both a devoted son and devoted leader.
Technical Team and Production Scale
Maa Vande boasts an exceptional technical crew comprising artists whose work includes Baahubali and Salaar:
Director of Photography: K.K. Senthil Kumar (Baahubali franchise) Music Composer: Ravi Basrur (KGF franchise)
Editor: Sreekar Prasad (multiple National Award winner) Production Designer: Sabu Cyril (Academy Award winner) Action Director: King Solomon
This assembly indicates commitment to international production standards with high-end technical values and state-of-the-art VFX.
While Unni Mukundan’s casting is confirmed, reports suggest Raveena Tandon has been approached to play Heeraben Modi, though no official announcement has been made. The makers remain tight-lipped about additional cast members.
Mukundan had previously met Prime Minister Modi during a Kochi event in 2023, a moment that drew attention after his casting was announced.
The film will be released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and English, expanding reach to global markets. While no official release date is announced, industry observers expect a 2026 release given the extensive VFX and post-production requirements.
Previous Modi Biopic and Unni’s Bollywood Entry
Maa Vande is not the first Modi biographical film. In 2019, PM Narendra Modi starring Vivek Oberoi was released but failed to impress audiences and critics. It faced criticism for hagiographic approach and lack of nuance.
The makers of Maa Vande appear determined to learn from that experience, emphasizing authenticity, dignity, and human story over just political achievements. The involvement of Malayalam star Unni Mukundan represents a departure, potentially bringing fresh perspective.
The timing coincides with Mukundan’s Bollywood entry. Reliance Entertainment announced two major Hindi projects starring Mukundan in September 2025, referring to him as “India’s Muscle Aliyan” and highlighting his pan-Indian appeal.
These Bollywood projects, combined with Maa Vande’s pan-India release, position Mukundan for major breakthrough beyond Malayalam cinema. Additionally, veteran director Joshiy announced an action thriller with Mukundan in a “never-before-seen, high-powered action avatar.”
Industry Expectations
The commencement of shooting has generated significant buzz across the film industry. The combination of popular star, acclaimed technical team, and high-profile subject creates substantial anticipation.
Political biopics in India have historically been challenging, often criticized for excessive praise or unfair bias. The makers face the delicate task of creating a film satisfying both supporters and critics while maintaining artistic integrity and commercial appeal.
The involvement of Malayalam cinema talent in a Hindi-dominated political biopic represents an interesting shift, suggesting regional industries are increasingly confident telling national stories.
As Unni Mukundan embarks on shooting for Maa Vande, the Malayalam superstar takes on perhaps the most significant role of his career—portraying India’s sitting Prime Minister in a grand-scale biographical drama. With an exceptional technical team, ambitious production values, and a pan-India release strategy, the film promises to be a major cinematic event in 2026.
The project represents not just a political biopic but a celebration of determination, sacrifice, and the journey of a man who rose from humble beginnings to lead a nation of over a billion people. As cameras roll and the story of Narendra Modi unfolds on screen, audiences await what promises to be one of the most talked-about Indian films in recent years.
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FAQs
When did shooting begin for Maa Vande?
Shooting for Maa Vande began on December 20, 2025, with a traditional muhurat pooja ceremony marking the first day of production.
Who is playing PM Modi in Maa Vande?
Malayalam cinema superstar Unni Mukundan has been cast in the lead role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the biographical film.
Who is directing Maa Vande?
Maa Vande is directed by Kranthi Kumar CH and produced by Veer Reddy M under the Silver Cast Creations banner.
In which languages will Maa Vande be released?
The film will be released in multiple languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and English for global reach.
What is Unni Mukundan’s biggest recent success?
Unni Mukundan’s Marco became the first Malayalam film with an A rating to cross Rs 100 crore at the box office, released in December 2024.
