Prathichaya: The upcoming political thriller film marks the first collaboration between Nivin Pauly and B Unnikrishnan. Mohanal revealed the title during an event in Kochi.

The title of Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly’s upcoming film with director B Unnikrishnan has been revealed - Prathichaya. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal unveiled the title and trailer of the upcoming film, touted to be a political thriller, during an event in Kochi on February 17, 2026.
Watch Sarvam Maya, Premam and other hit films of Nivin Pauly with OTTplay Premium.
Nivin Pauly-B Unnikrishnan's new movie, titled Prathichaya, marks the first collaboration between the actor-director. While revealing the title, Mohanlal also wished the very best for the team.
The trailer of the movie Prathichaya began with Nivin Pauly's character asking youngsters whether they are waiting to hear his success story in what appears to be a Ted Talk-like event. The film, which delves into Kerala politics, spells out what factors decide cabinet formation. Senior actor-filmmaker Balachandra Menon is shown as the Chief Minister of the state, while senior actor Sai Kumar appears to be a Left leader with the opposition. More key players are introduced, with Sharaf U Dheen making a swag entry as an evil corporate honcho, while Harishree Ashokan plays a cunning politician.
Amid all this, Nivin Pauly's character asks if we know who he really is as the trailer cuts to show some chaotic events in a mountainous terrain, revealing that there is more to his role. As the 2.22-minute trailer ends, the CM insists that there are no individuals in politics anymore, but just Prathichaya ( political image). The final word, but is reserved for Nivin Pauly, who seems to have emerged as a kingpin, asserting his power.
Overall, the trailer promises that Prathichaya delves into state politics, power dynamics, corruption and the key players who decide the fate of the government.
The project was kickstarted in September last year in Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital, where the film was mainly shot.
Mohammed Shafi of Kannur Squad fame and Dheeran director Devadath Shaji have penned the screenplay. Nivin Pauly, who is mostly known for Premam has acted in politically-charged movies too, such as Padavettu, directed by Liju Krishna.
Nivin Pauly has a Tamil film, Benz, in the pipeline where he plays a villain. He is also part of filmmaker Girish AD’s Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, with Mamitha Baiju.
Nivin Pauly was last seen in Baby Girl a thriller revolving around an infant’s abduction. Before that, he starred in the hit film Sarvam Maya, along with Riya Shibu. Both films are streaming on OTTplay Premium.
Q. Which are Nivin Pauly's upcoming films?
A. Nivin Pauly's upcoming films include Bethlehem Kudumba Unit and Benz. There is also Prathichaya, the political thriller with B Unnikrishnan.
Q. Who are the actors in the Prathichaya movie?
A. Nivin Pauly plays the lead role in the movie Prathichaya. Senior actor-director Balachandra Menon plays a key role, along with Sharafudheen, Nishanth Sagar, and Ann Augustine, and Harishree Ashokan.
Q. Which is Nivin Pauly's latest movie?
A. Nivin Pauly's latest movie is Baby Girl which was released in theatres on January 23. Baby Girl is now streaming on Sony LIV and OTTplay Premium.
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