The poster features an apparently abandoned prison gate bearing the name ‘Thondimadam Prisons’, surrounded by dense vegetation. A leopard positioned in the foreground adds an ominous dimension to the visual, while the tagline, ‘The Axe Forgets, But The Tree Remembers’, offers another clue to the themes the filmmaker might be exploring. Although the makers have kept the storyline under wraps, the combination of the title and imagery makes for an intriguing introduction to the project.
Manchiyam marks Krishand’s sixth directorial venture. The filmmaker has earned a National Film Award and two Kerala State Film Awards for his work. Known for his distinctive storytelling methods, he has built a body of work that frequently moves beyond conventional narrative structures. His latest project appears to bring that sensibility to the crime genre, although the makers are yet to reveal further details about its premise.
Manchiyam Features an Ensemble Cast Led by Sanju Sivaram
The film features Sanju Sivaram, Sudhi Koppa and Vincy Aloysius, alongside Maniyanpilla Raju, Niranj Maniyanpilla Raju, Rahul Rajeev, Nandu, Radha Gomathi, Divya Prabha, Nishant Sagar, Vineeth Thattil David, Joji K John, Pramod Veliyanad and Ruth P John, among others.
An interesting aspect of the project is Sanju Sivaram’s involvement in its writing process. The story has been conceived by Unni Karthikeyan, while Krishand and Sanju Sivaram have jointly worked on the screenplay. Lijeesh Kumar and Rahul Rajeev have also contributed as additional screenwriters.
The title, Manchiyam: The Botany of a Crime, stands out for its unusual combination of botanical terminology and the crime genre. The tagline, ‘The Axe Forgets, But The Tree Remembers’, further hints at the possibility of a narrative concerned with memory, consequences and the relationship between people and their surroundings. However, the makers have not disclosed whether these elements have a direct bearing on the film’s storyline.
The first-look poster also places considerable emphasis on its forest setting. The presence of the prison gate and the leopard creates an unsettling visual combination, leaving several questions about the location and the circumstances that form the backdrop of the story.
Krishand’s Sixth Directorial Venture Goes on Floors This Month
Manchiyam is produced by Sanju Unnithan under the banner of Spire Productions, in association with Krishand Films. The film is scheduled to begin production this month, with the makers expected to announce further details about the project in the coming days.
Krishand has earned recognition for his distinctive approach to filmmaking, with a National Film Award and two Kerala State Film Awards to his credit. His filmography reflects an interest in experimenting with cinematic form and storytelling, making Manchiyam an interesting addition to his directorial slate.
With an ensemble cast, a crime-oriented premise and an unusual visual introduction, the film marks another collaboration between Krishand and a group of performers from Malayalam cinema. The makers have so far kept the plot and character details under wraps, choosing to introduce the project through its title and atmospheric first look.
Further announcements regarding the film’s technical crew, characters and release plans are expected as production progresses.
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