Politics has always captivated film, particularly the great politicians who have left a lasting legacy on their countries. For India, few have touched people’s lives as much as Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His rags-to-riches journey, from a modest origin in Gujarat to guiding the world’s largest democracy, has already been retold on screen several times. But now, a latest biopic named Maa Vande will give a closer glimpse into his life, with Malayali actor Unni Mukundan essaying the role of the same name.
Maa Vande was launched on September 17, 2025, a date selected with consideration: it was the 75th birthday of Modi. The timing provided the initiative not only publicity but also emotional connotation, reminding viewers of the thresholds the Prime Minister has crossed, both politically and personally.
A Tale Beyond Politics
Unlike many films that focus purely on political careers, Maa Vande sets itself apart by highlighting the personal side of Modi’s life, particularly his bond with his late mother, Heeraben Modi. The tagline, “The Anthem of a Mother,” says it all. According to the makers, the film will trace Modi’s journey from childhood in Vadnagar, through his years as a young RSS worker, to his rise as Gujarat’s Chief Minister and finally as the nation’s leader. But at its heart, the film will be about the mother-son relationship that shaped his values and spirit.
Actor Unni Mukundan, who is best known to Malayalam audiences for his powerful on-screen presence, expressed how meaningful this role is for him. Having grown up in Ahmedabad, he recalls knowing Modi first as “my chief minister during my childhood.” Years later, he even had the opportunity to meet him in person, an experience he describes as “overwhelming yet deeply inspiring.”
For Unni, playing Modi is not just another acting challenge; it’s a deeply personal journey. “This film is about exploring the man beyond the statesman,” he shared on Instagram, “and especially the profound bond he shared with his mother.”
The Creative Force Behind Maa Vande
The film is directed by Kranthi Kumar CH and produced by Veer Reddy under the banner of Silver Cast Creations. It isn’t being positioned as a regional project; it is mounted as a grand pan-Indian movie, set to release in multiple languages. To achieve that scale, some of the finest names in Indian cinema have been brought on board.
• Cinematography will be handled by K.K. Senthil Kumar, who has worked with visually brilliant texture in the Baahubali series.
• Music is from Ravi Basrur, the KGF composer, to keep the film topped with an epic music backdrop.
• Its editing will be supervised by National Award-winning editor Sreekar Prasad.
• Production design is overseen by Sabu Cyril, a master of building worlds that are as realistic as they are larger than life.
•King Solomon will choreograph action scenes, bringing grit and scope to the narrative.
With this line-up, it’s clear that the makers are aiming for cinematic grandeur.
Not the First Modi Biopic
This isn’t the first time Modi’s life has been adapted for the big screen. In 2019, Omung Kumar directed PM Narendra Modi, starring Vivek Oberoi in the lead role. While that film garnered attention, Maa Vande appears to be taking a different route, moving away from political dramatization and focusing instead on the emotional core of Modi’s upbringing and values.
Unni Mukundan’s Big Leap
For Unni Mukundan, Maa Vande could well be a career-defining project. Although he has established himself in Malayalam cinema, he has been nursing dreams of making it big at the national level for a while now. His most recent release, Get Set Baby, kept him on the radar in the Malayalam industry, although his previous action-thriller Marco was a bid for broader recognition. Marco was, however, criticized for its high levels of violence, and the sequel was later scrapped “due to the negativity surrounding the project,” as the actor himself conceded.
Maa Vande, on the other hand, presents a completely different chance. It allows Unni to showcase not only his physique but also his inner skills needed to play a leader whose journey is as much about strength and humanity as political rise.
Why This Movie Matters
In modern India, where films at times mirror public life, a film like Maa Vande fulfills multiple roles. For the Modi fans, there is a heartwarming tale of grit, determination, and family love. For film enthusiasts, it’s an opportunity to witness some of India’s finest technicians unite for a project that combines intimate drama with the grand scale of a film.
Above all, by centering on the mother-son relationship, the film humanizes a leader who is usually perceived purely in political and governance terms alone. To this end, it calls to mind that behind every statesman there is a son, and behind every son there is a mother whose values contribute to his destiny.
With its well-knit subject matter, pan-India ambitions, and tried-and-tested cast and crew, Maa Vande is already one of the most awaited future movies. For Unni Mukundan, stepping into Narendra Modi’s shoes may be the biggest challenge of his career, but if done well, it could also be his proudest achievement.