Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan is set to play the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the highly anticipated biopic Maa Vande, directed by Kranthi Kumar CH. The announcement came on September 17, coinciding with Modi’s 75th birthday. The film promises an intimate portrayal of Modi’s journey from childhood to becoming India’s most influential leader, with special emphasis on his relationship with his late mother, Heeraben Modi. Positioned as a pan-Indian production, Maa Vande aims to provide a nuanced exploration of the man behind the statesman.
Unni Mukundan, widely recognized for his impactful roles in Malayalam cinema, expressed his deep connection to the project through an Instagram post. He recalled growing up in Ahmedabad and knowing Narendra Modi as the Chief Minister during his childhood. “Years later, I had the privilege of meeting him in person,” he shared, calling the experience “overwhelming yet deeply inspiring.” Mukundan emphasized that Maa Vande will explore Modi’s personal side, particularly the profound bond with his mother, which shaped his character and life philosophy.
Produced by Veer Reddy under Silver Cast Creations, Maa Vande brings together some of the finest talents in the industry. K K Senthil Kumar is handling cinematography, Ravi Basrur is composing the music, Sreekar Prasad is editing the film, while Sabu Cyril takes charge of production design, and King Solomon manages action choreography. These technical heavyweights signal a high production value, aimed at resonating with audiences across India.
This is not India’s first cinematic portrayal of the Prime Minister. In 2019, the Hindi-language biopic PM Narendra Modi, directed by Omung Kumar and starring Vivek Oberoi, chronicled the leader’s life. However, Maa Vande promises a fresh narrative angle by focusing more on Modi’s personal journey and his emotional ties, especially with his mother, rather than solely his political milestones.
The film is expected to garner attention not only for its lead actor’s transformation but also for its pan-Indian appeal, which signals an attempt to reach diverse linguistic and cultural audiences across the country. Industry insiders suggest that the film could set a new benchmark for biopics in Indian cinema, balancing personal depth with political context.
As Maa Vande begins production, cinema enthusiasts and political observers alike are keen to see how the film shapes its portrayal of one of India’s most polarizing yet influential leaders. Unni Mukundan’s casting adds further intrigue, promising a performance that bridges regional cinema with national politics.
