Shashi Tharoor says recent Malayalam film shot at his ancestral home stands out in an ‘era of loud blockbusters.’ Shashi was all praise for the recent release, Achappa’s Album, calling it a ‘rare gem that manages to be both a whimsical time-travel adventure and a deeply moving exploration of the bonds that define us.’ The Congress MP expressed his delight that his 200-year-old ancestral home in Palakkad served as the backdrop for such a heartfelt narrative. He noted that the film’s quiet, reflective tone offers a “badhiya” alternative to the sensory-overload cinema currently dominating the box office, proving that stories rooted in human connection still hold immense power.
He then revealed what the film was about, writing, “The story follows a mischievous 14-year-old boy who, after one prank too many, is given a unique ‘correction’ by his magician grandfather. Through a touch of magic, he swaps places with the 14-year-old version of his own father, a man who, in the present day, is a strict, workaholic stranger to his son. For 48 hours, they inhabit each other’s eras, facing the unique pressures, joys, and heartaches of their respective teenage years. They return to the present not just as father and son, but as two people who finally see each other.” This high-concept yet grounded plot has resonated with audiences across Kerala since its release in April 2026.
Currently, Achappa’s Album is being celebrated as a “main character” in the recent wave of meaningful Malayalam cinema. Directed by debutant filmmaker Rahul Nair, the movie features a mix of veteran actors and fresh faces who bring the father-son dynamic to life with incredible nuance. The use of Tharoor’s ancestral home has added a layer of historical “sparkle” to the visuals, with the sprawling courtyards and traditional architecture acting as a character in itself. Following Tharoor’s glowing endorsement, the film has seen a significant surge in theatre occupancy, especially among families who are drawn to its message of empathy and reconciliation.