Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan is set to portray Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a new biopic titled Maa Vande. The upcoming film was announced on Wednesday to coincide with the latter’s 75th birthday, with the makers also unveiling the title poster. Written and directed by Telugu filmmaker Kranthi Kumar CH, it carries the tagline “The Anthem of a Mother”.
According to the makers, Maa Vande will trace Narendra Modi’s life from childhood to his rise as a national leader, with particular emphasis on his relationship with his mother, Heeraben Modi. The film will be released in Hindi, English and all major regional languages. It is produced by Veer Reddy M under the banner of Silver Cast Creations. More details about the extended cast and release plans are yet to be disclosed.
Announcing the project, director Kranthi Kumar stated on social media, “I feel deeply honoured to be directing the biopic of our Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. For me, this project is not just a film, it is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. This journey began two years ago with the guidance and encouragement of Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav ji. With the support of producer Veer Reddy, the seed of this vision was nurtured into reality. I am grateful to have India’s finest technicians on board.”
He added, “We are also proud to announce that Unni Mukundan will be portraying the Prime Minister. Unni himself is a true admirer and fan of Shri Narendra Modi ji, which makes his journey into this character even more special. This film is very personal to me, as I have always been fascinated by the bond between Shri Narendra Modi ji and his mother, Heeraben Modi ji. That bond is the soul of Maa Vande.”
Sharing his happiness, Unni reflected, “I am humbled to share that I will be portraying the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Damodardas Modi Ji, in Maa Vande. Having grown up in Ahmedabad, I first knew him as my Chief Minister during childhood. Years later, in April 2023, I had the privilege of meeting him in person, a moment that left an indelible mark on me.”
He continued, “As an actor, stepping into this role is overwhelming yet deeply inspiring. His political journey has been extraordinary, but in this film, we aim to explore the man beyond the statesman, particularly his bond with his mother. From my own interaction with him, two words in Gujarati have stayed with me: ‘Jhookvanu Nahi’, which means ‘Never Bow Down’. Those words have been a source of strength for me ever since.”
The technical crew of Maa Vande includes RRR cinematographer K K Senthil Kumar, National Award-winning editor Sreekar Prasad, Baahubali production designer Sabu Cyril and KGF music composer Ravi Basrur. It has action choreography by King Solomon, best known for his works in Baahubali, RRR and Kalki 2898 AD.
Narendra Modi has served as the Prime Minister of India since 2014. Before that, he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat for over a decade. His political career and personal journey have frequently been subjects of public and media attention. Notably, Vivek Oberoi had earlier portrayed Narendra Modi in the 2019 biopic titled PM Narendra Modi, directed by Omung Kumar.
Meanwhile, Unni's upcoming slate also includes an actioner helmed by veteran filmmaker Joshiy. Additionally, the Marco actor is set to make his directorial debut in 2026 with a superhero film, which was announced earlier this year.
