Manchiyam – The Botany of a Crime, the upcoming Malayalam film directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Krishand, has officially unveiled its title-look poster. Produced by Sanju Unnithan under the banner of Spire Productions, the film is being developed in association with Krishand Films.
The project marks Krishand’s sixth directorial venture. Having received one National Film Award and two Kerala State Film Awards, the filmmaker is preparing another distinctive cinematic project, this time with a mysterious crime-oriented setting.
According to the makers, filming is scheduled to begin in November 2026.
Manchiyam Title Look Introduces a Mysterious Crime Setting
The newly released title-look poster presents a striking visual composition featuring a dense forest, heavy rainfall and a leopard positioned near the roots of an enormous tree.
An old prison entrance, identified as Thondimadam Prisons, appears in the background, introducing another intriguing element to the film’s visual identity.
The poster also carries the tagline “The Axe Forgets, But The Tree Remembers”, suggesting a narrative connected to memory, consequences and unresolved events.
While the filmmakers have not revealed the complete storyline, the title and promotional artwork indicate that nature, crime and mystery could play important roles in the narrative.
The title look uses predominantly dark green, black and yellow colours, creating an atmosphere of suspense without introducing any of the film’s characters.
Manchiyam Movie Cast and Crew Details
| Movie Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie Title | Manchiyam – The Botany of a Crime |
| Original Language | Malayalam |
| Director | Krishand |
| Producer | Sanju Unnithan |
| Production Banner | Spire Productions |
| Associated Production | Krishand Films |
| Story | Unni Karthikeyan |
| Screenplay | Krishand, Sanju Sivaram |
| Additional Screenplay | Lijeesh Kumar, Rahul Rajeev |
| Cast | Sanju Sivaram, Sudhi Koppa, Vincy Aloshious, Maniyanpilla Raju, Niranj Maniyanpilla Raju, Rahul Rajeev, Nandu, Radha Gomaty, Divya Prabha, Nishanth Sagar, Vineeth Thattil David, Joji K John, Pramod Veliyanad, Ruth P John |
| Cinematography | Prayag Mukundan |
| Music and Original Score | Mujeeb Majeed |
| Editor | Sasikumar |
| Sound Design | Renganath Ravee |
| Art Director | Alvin Joseph |
| Costume Designer | Divya Joby |
| Makeup | Arshad Varkala |
| Chief Associate Director | Nikhil Prabhakar |
| Associate Cinematographer | Nikhil Surendran |
| Executive Producers | Binu Nair, Rahul Rajagopal |
| Overseas Distribution Rights | The Plot Pictures |
| Filming Schedule | Expected to begin in November 2026 |
| Release Date | Not Announced |
Sanju Sivaram, Vincy Aloshious and Divya Prabha Join the Cast
The film features an ensemble cast including Sanju Sivaram, Sudhi Koppa, Vincy Aloshious, Maniyanpilla Raju, Niranj Maniyanpilla Raju, Rahul Rajeev, Nandu, Radha Gomaty, Divya Prabha and Nishanth Sagar.
Vineeth Thattil David, Joji K John, Pramod Veliyanad and Ruth P John are also part of the project.
The story has been written by Unni Karthikeyan, while Krishand and actor Sanju Sivaram have collaborated on the screenplay. Lijeesh Kumar and Rahul Rajeev have contributed additional screenplay material.
The involvement of several established Malayalam performers alongside emerging talents adds further interest to the upcoming production.
Krishand’s Sixth Directorial Venture
Krishand has developed a reputation for distinctive storytelling and unconventional cinematic presentations. His latest project appears to continue that creative direction, introducing an intriguing crime setting through its title and first promotional artwork.
The title-look poster deliberately leaves several questions unanswered, including the significance of the forest, the prison and the leopard.
The filmmakers are expected to reveal additional details about the characters and central storyline as production progresses.
The Plot Pictures Acquires Overseas Distribution Rights
The Plot Pictures has acquired the overseas distribution rights for Manchiyam – The Botany of a Crime.
The production team also includes editor Sasikumar, composer Mujeeb Majeed, cinematographer Prayag Mukundan and sound designer Renganath Ravee.
Alvin Joseph handles art direction, Divya Joby is responsible for costume design, and Arshad Varkala manages makeup.
With filming scheduled to begin in November 2026, further announcements regarding the shooting schedule, first-look character posters and theatrical release are awaited.
The official theatrical release date and OTT streaming platform for Manchiyam – The Botany of a Crime have not yet been announced.
