Unmadham Movie Review

Movie Review

Unmadham

★ 7/10 Very Good

Director

Kiran Das

Cast

Kunchacko Boban, Lijomol Jose, Siddique, Sudheesh, Sabumon

Release Date

July 31, 2026

Verdict: Unmadham offers an intriguing premise and a strong central performance, but struggles to hold its intensity through a uneven second half. It works best for viewers who enjoy slow-burn psychological tension with a touch of the unexplained.

Pros:

• Powerful and layered performance by Kunchacko Boban
• Engaging first half with a fresh setup
• Solid chemistry between the leads and atmospheric tension

Cons:

• Second half loses focus and turns chaotic
• Genre mix of crime, psychology and superstition feels uneven

Unmadham 2026 Overview

Unmadham marks the directorial debut of editor Kiran Das and reunites Kunchacko Boban with writer Shahi Kabir after their earlier police dramas. The film opened in theatres on 31 July 2026 and has drawn early attention for its unusual blend of crime investigation, personal struggle, and supernatural undertones.

Kunchacko plays a police constable caught between duty and his dream of becoming a screenwriter. Lijomol Jose appears as his wife. Early audience chatter on X, BookMyShow and other platforms has been mixed, with many highlighting the lead performance while noting issues with the later portions of the story.

The story follows a constable who wants to write film scripts but finds little success. After a transfer, he comes across an old case file that no one at the station wants to touch.

The file carries a reputation of bad luck and unexplained events linked to a woman’s death years earlier. As he begins looking into it, the line between real investigation, his own imagination, and possible supernatural elements starts to blur. His personal life also comes under strain.

The film keeps the focus on his mental state and the growing pressure around him without rushing into big reveals. On X and in early theatre reactions, the most praised element is Kunchacko Boban’s performance. Viewers repeatedly mentioned how convincingly he shows the character’s frustration, ambition, and gradual mental strain.

Many also liked the first half for its slow build, the domestic scenes with Lijomol Jose, and the interesting premise of a “cursed” case file. Some called the midpoint strong and said the film creates a tense atmosphere that holds attention for a good stretch. Common complaints centre on the second half.

Several audience members felt the story becomes chaotic, loses clarity, and settles into more familiar territory. A few said the mix of psychological drama and supernatural suggestions does not fully come together, and the final stretch feels less impactful than the setup.

Overall sentiment on social media leans toward “one-time watchable” rather than a complete success, with clear appreciation for the acting but divided views on the writing and pacing. Fans of measured Malayalam thrillers that focus on character and atmosphere may find enough to engage them, especially if they enjoy Kunchacko Boban’s recent police roles.

The film’s strengths lie in the lead performance and the early intrigue. Its weaknesses show in the later execution and the difficulty of balancing different tones.

Those who prefer tight, fast-moving crime stories or clear resolutions might feel the film drifts. For many, it is a decent theatrical experience if you go in with moderate expectations. Waiting for streaming is a reasonable option if big screen tension is not a priority.

Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available audience reactions and discussions on X at the time of writing. Individual opinions may vary.