Expectations are running high for Mollywood Times, the latest film from director Abhinav Sunder Nayak, whose debut film Mukundan Unni Associates earned both critical acclaim and audience appreciation.
Ahead of the film’s theatrical release on June 5, Abhinav says he is feeling more excited than nervous about how audiences will respond to the project.
As reported on Gold 101.3 FM, UAE’s No.1 Radio Station, one of the most talked-about aspects of Mollywood Times is its intriguing tagline — “A Hate Letter to Cinema.” The phrase has sparked curiosity among movie lovers, especially because films about the industry often tend to celebrate or romanticise cinema.
However, Abhinav says the intention is entirely different. According to the director, the film neither glorifies nor criticises cinema but instead presents a more grounded and realistic look at the industry.
He explained that many films based on cinema often end up idealising the profession, whereas Mollywood Times attempts to view it from a different perspective without placing it on a pedestal.
The filmmaker also revealed that Mollywood Times is part of a larger trilogy that began with Mukundan Unni Associates, with all three films exploring different ideas of success. While Mukundan Unni Associates focused on the success journey of a morally flawed individual, the new film examines the path of a fundamentally good person.
Abhinav said the story emerged from discussions with writer Ramu Sunil, a longtime friend and creative collaborator. Their conversations about life experiences eventually evolved into the film’s central theme.
Unlike Mukundan Unni Associates, which introduced audiences to a hidden side of society, the director says Mollywood Times does not rely on exposing any underbelly of the film industry. Instead, its uniqueness lies in the way the story is narrated.
Abhinav added that the confidence and conviction he had while making his debut film continue with Mollywood Times, which he believes has an equally meaningful story to tell.
The film is set to hit theatres on June 5.
