Adoor Gopalakrishnan Clarifies: 'Padayaatra' Is a Human Story, Not a Political Film

Veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan has emphasised that his upcoming film *Padayaatra*, featuring Mammootty, is not intended as a political narrative, even though it delves into urgent social realities. Speaking to Mathrubhumi, Adoor stated, “This is not a political film. When you deal with social issues, a political layer naturally appears, but that isn’t the purpose.”

The project marks Adoor and Mammootty’s fourth collaboration after *Anantaram*, *Mathilukal* and *Vidheyan*—all regarded as cinematic landmarks that shaped Malayalam cinema’s global identity.

Produced under Mammootty Kampany, *Padayaatra* reportedly casts Mammootty as Dr Devadas, a physician who leaves a flourishing urban career to serve in a tribal belt. Inspired by Gandhian thought, he dedicates himself to uplifting marginalised communities, only to encounter entrenched exploitation and systemic injustice. Actors Indrans, Grace Antony and Sreeshma Chandran appear in key supporting roles.

Set in the mid-2000s, the film unfolds within Adivasi settlements, exploring themes of resistance, social disparity and institutional abuse. As Dr Devadas grows aware of the community’s struggles, he clashes with landlords, elements of the police and political figures who profit from their vulnerability. Despite its socio-political backdrop, Adoor insists that the film’s heart lies in human enquiry, not partisan messaging.

The primary shooting location is the sprawling FACT complex in Kochi, known for its 800-acre campus and striking man-made lake. Additional scenes were filmed in the Pooyamkutty forest’s tribal hamlets. Unlike Adoor’s earlier minimalist cinema, *Padayaatra* involves detailed set construction, including recreated tribal homes and a forest hospital central to the plot.

Adoor co-wrote the screenplay with author and former IAS officer K. V. Mohan Kumar. The technical team features cinematographer Shehnad Jalal, editor Praveen Prabhakar, composer Mujeeb Majeed and art director Shajie Naduvil—each having previously collaborated with Mammootty.