The opening of Unmaada takes its time. Beginning at a railway station before gradually introducing its world, the film unfolds at a deliberately slow pace that demands patience.

It is only after the first half that the narrative begins to find its rhythm, eventually evolving into an intriguing psychological thriller that attempts to blend horror, investigation and the emotional burden of a police officer’s life.

Spoiler Alert:

The story follows Shelly (Kunchacko Boban), a police constable with a long-cherished dream of becoming a filmmaker.

Having stayed away from work for nearly a year to pursue his writing ambitions, Shelly has been asked by his wife Soumya (Lijomol Jose) to return to the police force.

Their relationship is marked by constant friction, largely because Shelly’s obsession with cinema has left him careless about his responsibilities.

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One particular joke involving the protagonist (Lijo Mol), seemingly written to generate laughs, feels politically incorrect and unnecessary.

Even if it was intended to suit the character, such humour feels outdated and doesn’t add anything meaningful to the film.

Back in service, Shelly’s struggles with psychological issues while finding himself caught in a series of unexpected incidents that eventually lead to a punishment transfer.

There, he comes across an old case file surrounded by strange beliefs; anyone who touches it is said to invite chaos into their lives.

Although warned against it, Shelly becomes obsessed with the file, especially after deciding to write a screenplay based on it.

As he digs deeper into the mystery, he receives an advance to develop the script, but his growing fixation on the case slowly blurs the line between reality and delusion.

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The second half is where Unmaada becomes slightly engaging. Shelly no longer investigates the case merely for his film; instead, he becomes emotionally invested in securing justice for the young woman at its centre.

Haunted by recurring dreams, terrifying visions and the constant appearance of a lizard that he believes carries messages from the victim, his deteriorating mental state becomes the film’s emotional core.

This is where writer Shahi Kabir deserves appreciation.

Known for grounded police dramas that expose the realities and pressures of law enforcement, he takes a different route this time.

Instead of another conventional procedural, he tries to blend psychological horror with an investigative thriller.

It is an ambitious departure from his familiar storytelling style, and even if it doesn’t completely succeed, the attempt itself deserves recognition.

However, Unmaada also suffers from trying to carry too many ideas at once. The psychological exploration of Shelly gradually takes over the narrative to such an extent that the investigation loses some of its sharpness.

What could have been a tighter, more gripping thriller occasionally gets weighed down by repetitive psychological episodes and uneven pacing.

The film sometimes struggles to balance its mystery, horror elements and commentary on trauma within the police force.

Kunchacko Boban is unquestionably the film’s biggest strength. He carries Unmaada almost entirely on his shoulders.

In the emotionally charged courtroom sequence, the vulnerable hospital scenes or the moments where Shelly battles his own delusions, he portrays fear, confusion, and obsession with remarkable conviction.

Once again, he proves the versatility that audiences have witnessed in films like Officer on Duty, Nna Thaan Case Kodu and Oru Durooha Saahachryathil.

The supporting cast, including Sabu Mon Abdusamad, Kiran Peethambaran and Raina Radhakrishnan, fits comfortably into the film’s world.

Arjun Sethu’s cinematography creates an eerie atmosphere that complements the psychological tone, while Mujeeb Majeed’s music effectively amplifies the tension.

Director Kiran Das also deserves credit for maintaining a sense of unease throughout, particularly during the horror-infused sequences and jump scares.

One of the film’s most interesting choices is its ending. Rather than providing clear answers, Shahi Kabir leaves the audience questioning whether the events truly happened or whether they existed only within Shelly’s fractured psychological state.

That ambiguity is likely to divide viewers, but it also becomes one of the film’s most thought-provoking aspects. The final stretch also features two cameos, and through one of them, the writer subtly communicates the film’s central idea.

Timeline Verdict: An ambitious psychological thriller elevated by Kunchacko Boban’s commanding performance.

Rating: 3/5

Cast:

Kunchacko Boban
Lijomol Jose
Sabu Mon Abdusamad
Kiran Peethambaran
Raina Radhakrishnan

Crew:

Director & Editor: Kiran Das
Writer & Screenplay: Shahi Kabir
Producers: Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak
Cinematography: Arjun Sethu
Music: Mujeeb Majeed