1001 Nunakal

After a fire breaks out in a flat in Al Khobar, Rajesh, his wife Soumya, their children, and Mujeeb and his pregnant wife Salma, temporarily move into their friends Vinay and Divya's house. While staying at Vinay's house, Mujeeb and Rajesh are in the process of moving to another hotel. The next day, Elvin arrives at Vinay's residence for new passports for Rajesh and Mujeeb's families. When Elvin asks Salma for their photos for new passports, she checks the bag Mujeeb has brought. She gets a girl's photo from it and has no idea who it is. Indu works as a maid in Vinay's home. Anil, her husband, works for a company and is experiencing financial difficulties. He must repay money to his manager or risk losing his job.

While seeing a matrimonial commercial, Vinay tells everyone about how he and Divya eloped and married ten years ago. Divya then tells everyone that following day is their tenth wedding anniversary. When everyone sits down for dinner, Mujeeb mentions that they would be departing the next day. But Vinay suggests that they leave only after attending their anniversary party. After the meal, Salma questions Mujeeb about the girl's photo and Mujeeb claims he knows nothing about the girl. Divya wishes to invite Joffy and Aleena to the party. Vinay agrees and suggests they should also call Vakeel. Meanwhile, Anil's manager demands that the money be returned within two days. Anil asks Shaleel to return the money he gave him and gets angry with Shaleel, who says that his financial situation is not good.

Joffy and Aleena arrive at Vinay's house bearing a wedding anniversary cake. Elvin also attends the party with his wife, Benzy. Anil contacts Indu and requests to borrow some money. But she is unable to ask for money in the midst of the weeding anniversary. After Vakeel's arrival, everyone celebrates the wedding anniversary by cutting the cake. Rajesh inquires about the gift from Vinay. Soon, he gifts Divya a pricey Rolex watch. Aleena looks at the price of the watch on her phone and tells everyone. Anil, who is forced to return the money to his manager, calls Indu again. But she is helpless. While everyone is having a nice time at the party, Jayan and Lakshmi's divorce is the topic of talk. Vakeel says that their marriage ended because Lakshmi lied. He then challenges everyone to reveal a lie they have told each other. But only Aleena and Salma express interest. Elvin suggests that they continue once the food has been prepared. Joffy starts the game by revealing a lie he told Aleena before their marriage. Following Joffy's turn, Aleena discloses a lie she told him. Next, Benzy reveals a truth she has been hiding from Elvin. Hearing that, Elvin goes outside sad. When everyone heads out, Indu steals the watch and tells Anil about it.

As they all gather to eat, Aleena talks about continuing the game. When Soumya says not to discuss that topic anymore, Aleena says they don't have the guts to open up. But Rajesh takes it as a challenge and reveals that he unknowingly helped a relative of Soumya financially. Mujeeb reaches there just as Soumya starts to speak. Then Salma goes to the room with Mujeeb and says that it is enough to make up a story and tell it when friends ask. Soumya questions Rajesh about why he hid the matter of helping her uncle and getting a new job offer letter. Rajesh gets angry and leaves. Divya blames Vakeel for causing problems between everyone. Meanwhile, Elvin takes the initiative to resolve his feud with Benzy. Salma narrates a fictional story to everyone. But Mujeeb reveals his true love story. Hearing this, Salma gets upset and says it is a fake story. But when Mujeeb says that this actually happened and that the photo in his bag is of his former girlfriend, an argument arises between the two.

Vakeel's wife, Molly, makes a video call to Divya. Divya goes to the room to show the watch she got as an anniversary gift. She informs Vinay that the watch is missing. Then everyone searches the entire room for the watch. Rajesh suspects that it was taken by Indu, who was there at the time. But Divya has faith in her. Aleena says that only Rajesh, Mujeeb, and Salma came in when everyone was outside. Rajesh gets angry after Joffy defends Aleena. Elvin asks that the incident be reported to the police. But Vakeel tells Indu to turn off all the lights in the room and asks whoever took the watch to put it on the table. When no one is ready, he decides to call the police. Seeing the problems getting worse, Vinay tries to calm them. He pleads that it was actually a cheap watch and that there should be no issues with it being stolen. Then everyone leaves. When Indu comes out after work and tells Anil about the watch, Anil slaps her and returns home angrily.

{{Cast listing|

• Sudeep Koshy as Rajesh
• Shamla Hamza as Salma
• Vishnu Agasthya as Vinay
• Niiniin Kassim as Divya
• Sajin Ali Pulakkal as Mujeeb
• Remya Suresh as Indu
• Zhinz Shan as Anil
• Anusha Shyam as Soumya
• Vidhya Vijaykumar as Aleena
• Noufal Rahman as Joffy
• Sooraj K. Nambiar as Elwin
• Rashmi K. Nair as Benzy
• Sudheesh Scaria as Vakeel
• Abhilash as Manager
• Ahmad Shaheen as Shaleel
• Sayhan Hashik as Mujeeb and Salma's son
• Yara Khalid as Vinay and Divya's daughter
• Rayan as Rajesh and Soumya's son
• Rayeen as Rajesh and Soumya's son

}}

The story for the film was written during 2016–17.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-16 |title=Thamar KV's 1001 Nunakal narrates real life stories of Gulf families |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/thamar-kv-s-1001-nunakal-narrates-real-life-stories-gulf-families-181119 |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=The News Minute |language=en |archive-date=2023-08-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828055959/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/thamar-kv-s-1001-nunakal-narrates-real-life-stories-gulf-families-181119 |url-status=live }} 1001 Nunakal was announced in November 2021 in Dubai by Salim Ahamed, who previously directed And the Oscar Goes To... (2019) and Pathemari (2015).{{Cite web |last=www.emiratess.live |title=Salim Ahamed announces |url=https://www.emiratess.live/News_more.php?page=421 |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=www.emiratess.live |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827133056/https://www.emiratess.live/News_more.php?page=421 |url-status=live }}

The makers of the film considered newcomers instead of leading actors to play the lead characters. The actors were chosen from auditions in Kerala and the United Arab Emirates, with nine coming from the UAE and four from Kerala.{{Cite web |title=Big names would've been ill-fit for 1001 Nunakal: Director Thamar |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/interviews/2023/aug/21/big-names-wouldve-been-ill-fit-for-1001-nunakal-director-thamar-46834.html |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=Cinema Express |date=21 August 2023 |language=en |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827114020/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/interviews/2023/aug/21/big-names-wouldve-been-ill-fit-for-1001-nunakal-director-thamar-46834.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2021-11-14 |title=Want to star in a Malayalam film to be shot in the UAE? |url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/want-to-star-in-a-malayalam-film-to-be-shot-in-the-uae-1.83684191 |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=gulfnews.com |language=en |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827123034/https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/want-to-star-in-a-malayalam-film-to-be-shot-in-the-uae-1.83684191 |url-status=live }} The first round audition was held in Dubai from December 26 to December 31, 2021, while the second round audition was held at the same venue from March 5 to March 6, 2022.

The principal photography of the film began on {{Date|May 12, 2022|DMY}}. The shooting started after a seven-day acting camp under Jijoy Rajagopal.{{Cite web |title=ഗൾഫിലെ ദാമ്പത്യബന്ധങ്ങളിലെ നുണക്കഥകൾ; ആയിരത്തൊന്നു നുണകൾ ഉടൻ പ്രദർശനത്തിന് |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/global-malayali/gulf/2022/06/09/movie-aayirathonnu-nunakal-shooting-completed.html |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=ManoramaOnline |language=ml |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827130237/https://www.manoramaonline.com/global-malayali/gulf/2022/06/09/movie-aayirathonnu-nunakal-shooting-completed.html |url-status=live }} The film was shot entirely in the United Arab Emirates, with majority of the filming taking place at a villa in Ajman.{{Cite web |last=Ashraf |first=Hiba Zeinab |date=2023-08-23 |title=Subtle politics of unravelling secrets: Watching '1001 Nunakal' |url=https://maktoobmedia.com/latest-news/movie-review-1001-nunakal/ |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=Maktoob media |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827123035/https://maktoobmedia.com/latest-news/movie-review-1001-nunakal/ |url-status=live }} Filming was wrapped up on {{Date|Jun 5, 2022|DMY}} in Ajman.

Neha Nair and Yakzan Gary Pereira composed the film's music.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

{{Track listing

| extra_column = Singer(s)

| title1 = Oro Manavum

| note1 = Theme song

| length1 = 4:05

| lyrics1 = Anwar Ali

| extra1 = Anne Amie

| title2 = Vattathilulloru Ambili Mamane

| length2 = 2:26

| lyrics2 = Thamar K. V.

| extra2 = Anuj Sekhar

}}

1001 Nunakal had its premiere at the 27th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in December 2022.{{Cite news |title=21 Malayalam films to be screened at IFFK 2022 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2022/dec/02/21-malayalam-films-to-be-screened-at-iffk-2022-2524198.html |access-date=2023-08-27 |work=The New Indian Express |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827111600/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2022/dec/02/21-malayalam-films-to-be-screened-at-iffk-2022-2524198.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Cinema paradiso |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2022/dec/08/cinema-paradiso-2525987.html |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=The New Indian Express |date=8 December 2022 |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827111553/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2022/dec/08/cinema-paradiso-2525987.html |url-status=live }} It was selected for the Malayalam Cinema Today category by a committee headed by R. Sarath, along with 11 other films.{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2022-10-12 |title=IFFK this year to screen 14 Malayalam films |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/iffk-this-year-to-screen-14-malayalam-films/article66001744.ece |access-date=2023-08-27 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827134221/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/iffk-this-year-to-screen-14-malayalam-films/article66001744.ece |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title='Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam', 'Ariyippu' selected to compete at 27th IFFK |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/10/12/nanpakal-nerathu-mayakkam-ariyippu-27th-international-film-festival-of-kerala.html |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=OnManorama |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827155939/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/10/12/nanpakal-nerathu-mayakkam-ariyippu-27th-international-film-festival-of-kerala.html |url-status=live }} The film had three screenings at the festival, the first and second on December 11 and 12 at the Kalabhavan and Kairali Sree Nila theatres of Kerala State Film Development Corporation, and the third on December 14 at the Aries Plex theatre.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-13 |title=IFFK 2022 : ആയിരത്തൊന്ന് നുണകൾ ; ആയിരം നുണകളും ഒരു സത്യവും; ഐഐഎഫ്കെയില്‍ ജനശ്രദ്ധ നേടിയ ചിത്രം |url=https://zeenews.india.com/malayalam/movies/iffk-2022-best-movie-1001-nunakal-aka-thousand-and-one-lies-getting-big-positive-responses-here-is-why-118294 |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=Zee News Malayalam |language=ml |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827162641/https://zeenews.india.com/malayalam/movies/iffk-2022-best-movie-1001-nunakal-aka-thousand-and-one-lies-getting-big-positive-responses-here-is-why-118294 |url-status=live }}

After its appearance at the IFFK, the digital rights of 1001 Nunakal were obtained by SonyLIV,{{Cite web |title=1001 Nunakal to release on Sony LIV |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2023/jul/21/1001-nunakal-to-release-on-sony-liv-2596873.html |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=The New Indian Express |date=21 July 2023 |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827111555/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2023/jul/21/1001-nunakal-to-release-on-sony-liv-2596873.html |url-status=live }} which started streaming it on {{Date|Aug 18, 2023|DMY}}.{{Cite web |title=1001 Nunakal out on OTT: Here's where you can stream Thamar KV's gripping drama |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/1001-nunakal-out-on-ott-heres-where-you-can-stream-thamar-kvs-gripping-drama/f8c8bddc35659 |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=OTTPlay |language=en |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827111554/https://www.ottplay.com/news/1001-nunakal-out-on-ott-heres-where-you-can-stream-thamar-kvs-gripping-drama/f8c8bddc35659 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2023-08-08 |title=Trailer of Malayalam film '1001 Nunakal' out |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/trailer-of-malayalam-film-1001-nunakal-out/article67171120.ece |access-date=2023-08-27 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827111553/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/trailer-of-malayalam-film-1001-nunakal-out/article67171120.ece |url-status=live }} Apart from Malayalam, it was released in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi.{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-08-17 |title=മലയാളത്തില്‍ നിന്ന് അടുത്ത ഒടിടി റിലീസ്; 'ആയിരത്തൊന്ന് നുണകള്‍' സ്ട്രീമിംഗ് ആരംഭിച്ചു |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/aayirathonnu-nunakal-malayalam-movie-starts-streaming-sony-liv-salim-ahamed-nsn-rzjj0f |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |language=ml |archive-date=2023-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829110049/https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/aayirathonnu-nunakal-malayalam-movie-starts-streaming-sony-liv-salim-ahamed-nsn-rzjj0f |url-status=live }}

1001 Nunakal received positive reviews from critics.

Swathi P. Ajith of Onmanorama wrote "Thamar's 'Aayirathonnu Nunakal' is undoubtedly a commendable effort, although a bit more focus and sharpening around the edges could have elevated its impact."{{Cite web |last=P. Ajith |first=Swathi |date=2023-08-18 |title='Aayirathonnu Nunakal' review: Slow-burning mystery drama on unmasking lies and testing bonds |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2023/08/18/aayirathonnu-nunakal-malayalam-mystery-movie-thamar-kv-review.html |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=OnManorama |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827113102/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2023/08/18/aayirathonnu-nunakal-malayalam-mystery-movie-thamar-kv-review.html |url-status=live }} Arjun Ramachandran of The South First gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Aayirathonnu Nunakal is an overwhelming movie that dwells on the lives of married couples. It makes the audience think seriously about relationships."{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Arjun |date=2023-08-19 |title=Aayirathonnu Nunakal review: An intriguing movie made with a perfect blend of emotions and good writing |url=https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/aayirathonnu-nunakal-movie-review/ |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=The South First |language=en-GB |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827111554/https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/aayirathonnu-nunakal-movie-review/ |url-status=live }} Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Thamar KV's Aayirathonnu Nunakal (1001 Lies) explores the complexities of both lies and absolute candour, while refraining from definitively advocating for one over the other, allowing viewers to form their own opinions."{{Cite web |last=Suresh |first=Anandu |date=2023-08-18 |title=1001 Nunakal movie review: A slow burner that underlines it's all fun and games until truths begin to pour out |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/1001-nunakal-movie-review-rating-slow-burner-fun-games-truths-pour-out-8897347/ |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827111555/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/1001-nunakal-movie-review-rating-slow-burner-fun-games-truths-pour-out-8897347/ |url-status=live }} Sajin Shrijith of The New Indian Express gave 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "1001 Nunakal is an impressive debut shot with the finesse of a veteran."{{Cite news |last=Shrijith |first=Sajin |date=2023-08-19 |title='1001 Nunakal' film review: Stimulating, ingeniously constructed family drama |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2023/aug/19/1001-nunakal-film-review-stimulating-ingeniously-constructed-family-drama-2606569.html |access-date=2023-08-27 |work=The New Indian Express |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827111600/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2023/aug/19/1001-nunakal-film-review-stimulating-ingeniously-constructed-family-drama-2606569.html |url-status=live }}

S. R. Praveen of The Hindu wrote "Though the storyline constantly reminds one of Jeethu Joseph and Mohanlal's '12th Man,' director Thamar K.V succeeds in keeping the narrative engaging."{{Cite news |last=Praveen |first=S. R. |date=2023-08-18 |title='1001 Nunakal' movie review: A decently-staged film in a familiar setting |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/1001-nunakal-movie-review-a-decently-staged-film-in-a-familiar-setting/article67208501.ece |access-date=2023-08-27 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827111600/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/1001-nunakal-movie-review-a-decently-staged-film-in-a-familiar-setting/article67208501.ece |url-status=live }} Anna Mathews of The Times of India gave the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "1001 Nunakal has one of those ‘been there done that’ feels, with the story device being of people coming together and swapping secrets that could be the undoing of themselves and the group dynamics."{{Cite news |title=1001 Nunakal Movie Review : A gripping drama on marriage & friendships |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/1001-nunakal/movie-review/102840031.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-08-27 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827111600/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/1001-nunakal/movie-review/102840031.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }} Sowmya Rajendran of The News Minute gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "There are too few films that see potential in the drama of everyday life, the pathos in the ordinary, and that's what makes 1001 Nunakal such a riveting watch."{{Cite web |last=Rajendran |first=Sowmya |date=2023-08-18 |title=1001 Nunakal review: A riveting relationship drama about truth and lies |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/1001-nunakal-review-riveting-relationship-drama-about-truth-and-lies-181196 |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=The News Minute |language=en |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827111554/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/1001-nunakal-review-riveting-relationship-drama-about-truth-and-lies-181196 |url-status=live }} Ryan Gomez of OTTPlay gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "1001 Nunakal is a taut drama that places Malayali marriages under the microscope. The slow-burner indie film leans on a few familiar plot devices but offers a fresh perspective on the subject through a unique lens."{{Cite web |last=Gomez |first=Ryan |date=2023-08-18 |title=1001 Nunakal review: An intriguing drama that serves as a microcosm of modern Malayali marriages |url=https://www.ottplay.com/review/1001-nunakal-review-an-intriguing-drama-that-serves-as-a-microcosm-of-modern-malayali-marriages/bb3e94f2c1913 |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=OTTPlay |language=en |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827111559/https://www.ottplay.com/review/1001-nunakal-review-an-intriguing-drama-that-serves-as-a-microcosm-of-modern-malayali-marriages/bb3e94f2c1913 |url-status=live }} Nandini Ramnath of Scroll.in wrote "Among the revelations that emerge during the Truth or Dare exercise is that reticence is a necessary attribute of romantic relationships. In an age of performativeness fuelled by social media, the insights of Aayirathonnu Nunakal especially ring true."{{Cite web |last=Ramnath |first=Nandini |date=2023-08-17 |title='Aayirathonnu Nunakal' review: A Truth or Dare game goes off the rails |url=https://scroll.in/reel/1054412/aayirathonnu-nunakal-review-a-truth-or-dare-game-goes-off-the-rails |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Scroll.in |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829052402/https://scroll.in/reel/1054412/aayirathonnu-nunakal-review-a-truth-or-dare-game-goes-off-the-rails |url-status=live }}

{{Reflist}}

• {{IMDb title|id=tt16103640|title=1001 Nunakal}}

Category:2022 films

Category:2020s Malayalam-language films

Category:2022 directorial debut films

Category:2022 direct-to-video films

Category:Direct-to-video drama films

Category:2022 drama films

Category:Indian drama films

Category:Films shot in the United Arab Emirates

Category:SonyLIV original films

Category:Films scored by Neha Nair

Category:Films scored by Yakzan Gary Pereira

Category:Indian remakes of Italian films