Prathichaya: B Unnikrishnan, Listin Stephen get into verbal spat on stage during launch of Nivin Pauly film
Prathichaya: Listin Stephen and B Unnikrishnan took potshots at each other on stage, even with the likes of superstar Mohanlal in attendance for the launch of the Nivin Pauly film.
Last Updated: 12.13 PM, Feb 18, 2026
It was a night meant to launch the new movie of Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly and director B Unnikrishnan, Prathichaya. But what caught everyone’s attention was a verbal spat between producer Listin Stephen and B Unnikrishnan on stage, even with the likes of superstar Mohanlal in attendance for the event. Listin took a dig at the director, who also did not hesitate to give a befitting response.
What is Listin Stephen-B Unnikrishnan row
The new movie Prathichaya was launched on February 17, with Mohanlal revealing the title and trailer. But during the event, producer Listin Stephen, who was invited on stage as a guest, took potshots at Unnikrishnan. Prathichaya is not backed by Listin, though he is the producer of Nivin Pauly's previous film Baby Girl.
“Though there are many directors, they only have to focus on directing films. But as far as Unni ettan is concerned, he has to direct movies amid imposing a ban on people. So Unni ettan has to direct movies amid a lot of tasks," Listin said, concluding with,"I wish the film turns out to be a huge success.”
B Unnikrishnan, who was also on stage, was quick to strike back. “Though I knew it would not be possible, I had told Listin to show some civility tonight. But no matter how much he tries, that (facet) comes out... so let's forgive him for that," said Unnikrishnan who is the general secretary of Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA).
Though we do not know if Listin was hinting at any particular issue, there have been unconfirmed reports of FEFKA imposing bans and other restrictions on film personnel.
What is Prathichaya about
Prathichaya is the upcoming movie, written and directed by B Unnikrishnan with Nivin Pauly in the lead role. The film, touted to be a political thriller, will revolve around state politics. The trailer hints that the film could touch upon political issues in the state from the last decade, which had a direct bearing on the then Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
Apart from Nivin Pauly, the upcoming political film also features Balachandra Menon, Sai Kumar, Harishree Ashokan, Sharaf U Dheen and Anne Augustine.
Prathichaya Movie FAQs
Q. What is Prathichaya?
A. Prathichaya is the upcoming Malayalam film of actor Nivin Pauly, helmed by 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, 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.