The Malayalam film 'Mindiyum Paranjum', which translates to 'Said and Unsaid', has arrived in theatres as a delicate, conversation-driven exploration of love, separation, and shared trauma. Released on 25 December 2025, this drama and romance film, with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes, has garnered a 3.5 rating from both critics and users on The Times of India platform. Directed by Arun Bose and produced by Salim Ahmed, the film presents a contemporary, emotionally resonant narrative deeply rooted in the Malayali experience.
A Story Stitched Through Screens and Silence
At its heart, Mindiyum Paranjum is the story of Leena and Sanal. Leena, portrayed by Aparna Balamurali, resides in the picturesque yet vulnerable high ranges of Kerala. Her husband Sanal, played by Unni Mukundan, works in the Middle East, a reality for countless families in the state. Their marriage exists in the digital space, sustained by daily video calls, messages, and the fragile threads of memory across time zones. The film beautifully captures the rhythm of their long-distance relationship, where love is expressed not through grand gestures but through patient listening, shared silences, and unwavering trust.
The narrative takes a poignant turn with the return of the relentless monsoon rains. For Leena and her community, the rain is no longer just a seasonal phenomenon; it is a trigger for deep-seated anxiety and trauma linked to past floods. This shared environmental dread becomes a silent third character in their marriage, testing their bond in unspoken ways. The film uses the lush, misty backdrop of the high ranges, captured tenderly by cinematographer Madhu Ambat, not just as scenery but as a mirror to the characters' inner emotional states.
Beyond Romance: Social Commentary and Stellar Performances
While centered on a marriage, 'Mindiyum Paranjum' subtly weaves in broader social themes. It touches upon the complex caste dynamics within Kerala's Christian communities and poignantly highlights the emotional toll of migration—the loneliness of the expatriate worker and the constant worry of the family left behind. The romance depicted is mature and quiet, built on mutual respect and the shared courage to endure separation for a better future.
The film draws thematic inspiration from O. Henry's classic short story, 'The Gift of the Magi', recontextualizing its core theme of sacrifice within the modern, long-distance relationship framework. Unni Mukundan delivers a remarkably restrained performance as Sanal, conveying volumes through his eyes and pauses. Aparna Balamurali embodies Leena with a warm, resilient strength, making her solitude profoundly relatable and human. The supporting cast, including Sohan Seenulal and Jaffer Idukki, add depth to the world around the central couple.
A Lingering Melody of a Film
The technical aspects of the film harmonize perfectly with its soft, melodic tone. Sooraj S. Kurup's evocative music score flows through the narrative, amplifying the emotional undercurrents without ever overwhelming the quiet moments. The film deliberately avoids spectacle, choosing instead to linger in the everyday—the glow of a phone screen at night, the sound of rain on a tin roof, the comfort of a familiar voice through a speaker.
Ultimately, Mindiyum Paranjum is a cinematic experience that prioritizes intimacy over drama. It is a feel-good slice of life that is also unafraid to confront contemporary fears. It leaves audiences with a lingering sense of the resilience of human connection, even when tested by physical distance and climate-induced anxiety. As the review by Anjana George for The Times of India notes, it is a film that stays with you long after the final scene, a quiet testament to love's endurance in the digital age.
