Published Oct 22, 2026 | 9:30 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 22, 2026 | 10:12 AM
Nivin Pauly (Justin), Roshan Shanavas (Glikson), Meenakshi Raveendran (Riya) and Mamitha Baiju (Ashley) in BKU. Inset: VD Satheesan.
Chief ministers rarely write movie reviews, and when Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan did, it sparked humorous reactions on and off social media.
Satheesan’s review of Bethlehem Kudumba Unit (BKU) drew attention, with his enthusiastic praise and a few playful comments adding to the buzz around the Malayalam blockbuster.
The chief minister said his hectic schedule had kept him away from films for a long time, forcing him to abandon even his earlier habit of watching at least one movie a month.
He finally sat down to watch BKU with his daughter and her friend and came away thoroughly impressed.
What appealed to him most was the romantic comedy’s natural storytelling and its ability to hold the audience’s attention without a dull moment.
The rural setting, familiar faces, simple lives, human bonds and gentle romance reminded him of his childhood, he said.
Satheesan was particularly impressed by how even actors with brief appearances managed to leave a mark.
The film made him laugh, stirred emotions and kept him engaged until the end. Describing it as an example of effective teamwork, he said the experience was refreshing enough to prompt him to write a review, something he rarely does after watching a film.
He also called director Girish AD and actor Sangeeth Prathap to congratulate them. He was unable to reach lead actors Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju by phone.
Among those who caught his attention was Glikson, whose performance earned a special mention in his post. “Poor Glikson!” he remarked.
The review also prompted some humorous reactions, including a question that played on the film’s characters and the chief minister’s own past: “I just want to know—was the CM ‘Glikson’ or ‘Justin Chettan’ back then?”
Roshan Shanavas portrayed Glikson, a good-at-heart, bumpkinish character, living in a make-believe world far removed from reality — and his love interest. Nivin Pauly’s Justin Davis was the opposite: a mature character whose serious mask hid his romantic side. And like almost every hero in Indian cinema, Justin wins the girl — Ashely Thankachan played by Mamitha — both he and Glikson pine for.
So, who was Satheesan back then?
Satheesan’s light-hearted remark added another talking point to the discussion around the film, which has rewritten Malayalam cinema’s box-office record.
BKU has reportedly collected ₹331.09 crore worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Malayalam film ever.
Its gross collection in India stands at ₹192.64 crore, while overseas markets have contributed ₹138.45 crore.
The film’s domestic net collection is estimated at around ₹165 crore.
Despite its OTT release, the film continues to screen in a limited number of theatres, extending the run of a film that has struck a chord with audiences and now earned praise from a prominent political figure as well.
