Who is Unni Mukundan — the actor set to play PM Modi in the biopic?
Unni Mukundan’s casting as Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the new biopic Maa Vande has pushed the Malayalam star into national headlines. The announcement — timed to coincide with PM Modi’s 75th birthday on September 17, 2025 — marks a major turning point in a career that has moved from regional hits to pan-Indian visibility.
Quick facts: Unni Mukundan at a glance
- Full name: Unnikrishnan Mukundan (professionally known as Unni Mukundan)
- Born: 22 September 1987 (Thrissur, Kerala)
- Profession: Actor, occasional playback singer and film producer active mainly in Malayalam cinema
- Notable recent projects: Marco, Malikappuram — both raised his commercial profile nationally
These basics help explain why a pan-Indian biopic might look to him: he has strong regional roots plus recent box-office visibility that crosses state lines.
Career highlights: how Unni Mukundan rose to prominence
From supporting parts to lead roles (2011–2014)
Unni started in smaller roles and slowly established himself with lead parts. He made his acting debut in 2011 and gained wider attention after the comedy-drama Mallu Singh (2012), which helped him secure more mainstream Malayalam offers.
Building a bankable image (2015–2024)
Over the next decade, Unni balanced family dramas, action films, and occasional offbeat parts. He earned praise for versatility while developing a muscular, charismatic screen persona that filmmakers rely on for mass-appeal roles. Films such as Vikramadithyan, KL 10 Patthu and later Malikappuram solidified his reputation.
Breakthrough to pan-Indian recognition (2024–2025)
The 2024 film Marco and other recent works pushed his box-office numbers and visibility. With the Modi biopic announcement, Unni transitions from regional star to a figure with national attention — a move that’s already getting coverage in major national and international outlets.
Maa Vande: what we know about the biopic
Title, team and timing
The biopic is titled Maa Vande and was publicly unveiled on September 17, 2025, the Prime Minister’s 75th birthday. The makers released a poster and confirmed Unni Mukundan in the lead role. The film is being presented as a large-scale project intended for a pan-Indian audience.
Director and creative leads
Reports name Telugu filmmaker Kranthi Kumar CH as the writer-director behind the project. Producers and other technical details are being shared gradually as the production ramps up. Official cast and crew lists beyond the lead have not yet been fully disclosed.
Public reaction and media coverage
The casting announcement triggered strong media attention and mixed public reaction — interest in how the film will portray a living national leader, and debate about casting choices. Coverage spans mainstream Indian outlets and international trade press. Expect more formal statements from producers and distributors as the film moves into pre-production.
Why Unni Mukundan? (casting logic)
Screen presence and recent momentum
Casting decisions for high-profile biopics weigh star power, acting chops, and the ability to carry a complex, multi-chapter narrative. Unni’s physicality, ability to perform both intense and restrained scenes, plus the box-office success of recent films likely made him attractive to the makers.
A regional star with expanding reach
Producers often aim for someone who can connect across language markets. Unni’s work in Malayalam cinema and his growing recognition in Telugu/Tamil markets makes him a pragmatic choice for a pan-Indian project. His casting signals the filmmakers’ intent to present Modi’s story to diverse audiences.
What Unni Mukundan said about the role
Unni has publicly commented that two specific words from PM Modi have guided him through life’s challenges — a personal note he shared when the film was announced. That quote has been widely reported and used in promotional blurbs around the announcement, reflecting how the actor frames his connection to the role. Exact phrasing and extended statements will likely appear in fuller interviews as promotion begins.
What to watch next (production timeline and questions)
Pending confirmations
Key details still pending: full cast, production start date, language versions, and distribution plan. Given the political sensitivity and scale, producers are likely to take care with permissions, archival access, and fact-checking. Watch for formal production announcements, trailer releases, and censorship/clearance updates.
Potential challenges
Biopics of living leaders face scrutiny over accuracy, editorial stance, and timing. Filmmakers must balance narrative drama with documentary responsibility — and the team’s choices (script, supporting cast, historical consultants) will shape public reception.
Final take: what this role means for Unni Mukundan
Playing a serving Prime Minister is a career-defining opportunity that brings national visibility and heavy expectations.
If the film succeeds creatively and commercially, Unni could pivot to more pan-Indian and even international offers. If controversies around portrayal arise, that too will shape his public image — for better or worse.
Either way, Unni Mukundan has moved into a new phase: from trusted Malayalam star to an actor now seen as capable of carrying stories with national significance. For readers tracking Indian cinema or Unni’s career, this casting is worth following as production details emerge.
Also Read: Burj Khalifa Lights Up with PM Narendra Modi’s Birthday Tribute.
