1001 Nunakal

Thousand and One Lies), also known as Aayirathonnu Nunakal,[4] is a 2022 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Thamar K. V. in his directorial debut and produced by Salim Ahamed.

[6][7] The plot revolves around a group of friends who decide to play a game of truth or dare at a wedding anniversary party.

[8] The film was officially announced in November 2021 by Salim Ahamed in the United Arab Emirates.

When Elvin asks Salma for their photos for new passports, she checks the bag Mujeeb has brought.

While seeing a matrimonial commercial, Vinay tells everyone about how he and Divya eloped and married ten years ago.

Soumya questions Rajesh about why he hid the matter of helping her uncle and getting a new job offer letter.

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.

[11] 1001 Nunakal was announced in November 2021 in Dubai by Salim Ahamed, who previously directed And the Oscar Goes To... (2019) and Pathemari (2015).

[23] After its appearance at the IFFK, the digital rights of 1001 Nunakal were obtained by SonyLIV,[24] which started streaming it on 18 August 2023.

[7][14] 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.

"[28] 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.

"[29] 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.

"[30] 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.

"[31] 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.

"[32] 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.

"[33] 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.

"[34] 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.

"[35] 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.