Kochi: Cinema enthusiasts have a reason to rejoice as ‘Monica: Oru AI Story’, India’s pioneering AI-themed Malayalam film, is now available for streaming from April 2 on CSpace, the country’s first government-backed OTT platform. After its successful theatrical release, the film is now set to reach audiences across the globe through this innovative digital platform, marking a significant moment for regional and independent cinema.
Directed by E.M. Ashraf, Monica: Oru AI Story is a thought-provoking drama that delves into the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. The film follows the journey of Swarup, a hyperactive young boy struggling for affection, played by National Award-winning actor Sreepath Yan. His life takes a dramatic turn when his uncle, an IT specialist, introduces him to Monica, an advanced AI entity.
The film features a standout performance by Aparna Mulberry, a Malayalam-speaking Englishwoman known for her television and social media presence. She skillfully brings to life the AI character Monica, portraying the subtle complexities of artificial intelligence. The other cast includes Gopinath Muthukad, Sini Abraham, Manikandan, Kannur Sreelatha, Mansoor Palloor, Albert Alex, Anand Jyothi, Shijith, Anil Baby, Ajay Kallai and Prasannan Pillai adding depth to this compelling narrative.
The screenplay, co-written by E.M. Ashraf and Mansoor Palloor, explores themes of technology, humanity, and identity, highlighting how AI is becoming more human-like while people increasingly adopt robotic behaviours. The film challenges viewers to rethink the role of technology in our lives and the essence of human emotions in an AI-driven world.
Launched on March 6, 2024, by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CSpace is dedicated to promoting regional and independent cinema by providing a platform for feature films, documentaries, and short films, particularly in Malayalam.
Operating on a pay-per-view model, CSpace offers feature films for ₹75, with shorter content available at lower prices. This affordable pricing structure ensures that high-quality films are accessible to a wider audience.
Film enthusiasts can watch ‘Monica: Oru AI Story’ on CSpace starting April 2 by downloading the CSpace app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.