Unni Mukundan turns writer-director with his 50th film

KOCHI: Unni Mukundan is set to turn writer-director with his 50th film, an upcoming Malayalam action thriller to be produced jointly by Panorama Studios and Unni Mukundan Films. The actor will headline the yet-to-be-titled project while also writing and directing it. The film marks the first collaboration between Panorama Studios and Unni Mukundan Films.

Unni announced the collaboration on social media, describing it as a “powerhouse collaboration” with National Award-winning producers Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak. He said more details about the project would be revealed soon.

The film marks a new milestone for Mukundan, who has previously taken on acting and production responsibilities and is now stepping behind the camera for the first time. The actor has said that he has long wanted to tell stories in his own voice and that his 50th film felt like the right project to make his directorial debut.

Panorama Studios, headed by Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak, has produced films including Omkara, Special 26, Pyaar Ka Punchnama, Raid, Shaitaan and the Drishyam franchise. The production house has received more than 50 awards.

The collaboration follows the pan-Indian success of Mukundan's Marco. His production banner, Unni Mukundan Films, began its feature-film journey with Meppadiyan, which won the National Award.

Further details, including the film's title, additional cast and shooting schedule, are expected to be announced later.

Abhishek Pathak, meanwhile, is directing Drishyam: The Conclusion, the third instalment of the Hindi Drishyam franchise, which is scheduled to release in theatres on October 2, 2026.