‘Now no one feels guilty about propaganda’: B Unnikrishnan ahead of Prathichaya release

B. Unnikrishnan, director of the upcoming Malayalam film Prathichaya, has said that filmmakers today are far more open about incorporating propaganda into cinema, a shift from earlier times when such attempts were approached with caution.

Speaking in interviews with media outlets, including OTTplay director Unnikrishnan said, “In the past, filmmakers might have felt guilty about making propaganda films, but now they are unabashed,” highlighting a broader change in how political messaging is presented in mainstream cinema.

On propaganda and cinema

The director noted that cinema inherently carries political undertones, whether intentional or not. He explained that even films not explicitly political can reflect certain ideologies or viewpoints. According to him, the challenge lies in how art can make even uncomfortable or controversial ideas appealing to audiences.

He also pointed out that a section of viewers today actively consumes such content, making propaganda-driven storytelling more visible and accepted.

About Prathichaya

Unnikrishnan clarified that Prathichaya, starring Nivin Pauly and Sharafudheen, is not a political film in the strict sense. Instead, it uses politics as a backdrop to explore interpersonal relationships, particularly the dynamics between a father and son.

He described the film as an emotional drama, drawing comparisons to works like The Godfather and Thevar Magan, and emphasised that its core lies in human relationships rather than political messaging.

Politics as backdrop, not message

The filmmaker said the story examines how the public “image” of politicians often overshadows their individual identities, a theme he believes is relevant in today’s media-driven political landscape.

He added that modern politics is increasingly shaped by digital narratives, with large-scale spending in cyberspace influencing public perception, reducing direct interaction between politicians and voters.

On timing and election context

Addressing questions about the film’s release ahead of the Kerala elections, Unnikrishnan maintained that the timing is coincidental. He said the script was conceived years earlier and is not tied to current political events.

He also denied that the film promotes any particular political ideology, a view echoed by members of the cast.

The director’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny of political themes in Indian cinema. His comments reflect a wider debate on the role of films in shaping public opinion, especially during politically sensitive periods.

Prathichaya, which also features actors like Ann Augustine and Balachandran Menon, is set to release on March 26 and is expected to generate discussion given its themes and timing.