Kunal Malla’s Dual Performance In '5th September' Is A Salute To Unsung Heroes

Kunal Shamshere Malla directs and stars in "5th September," a sports drama about mentorship and redemption.

Kunal Shamshere Malla directs and stars in "5th September," a sports drama about mentorship and redemption.

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In an industry where juggling one creative role is a feat in itself, Kunal Shamshere Malla has pulled off something exceptional with 5th September — a film where he not only helms the director’s chair but also delivers a deeply affecting performance on screen.

With the newly released trailer already generating buzz, it’s clear that 5th September is no ordinary sports drama. At its heart lies a story about mentorship, redemption, and human connection — themes that Kunal not only captures as a filmmaker but also embodies in his nuanced portrayal on screen.

 

As a director, Malla shows remarkable restraint and sensitivity. He avoids melodrama and instead opts for a grounded, emotionally rich narrative that speaks to the viewer on multiple levels. The visual storytelling is poignant, often letting silences, glances, and everyday interactions carry the weight of the emotion. There’s a quiet confidence in his direction — a refusal to over-explain, allowing the audience to feel rather than be told.

The film’s ensemble cast also features Atul Srivastava, Deepraj Rana, Kavin Dave, Kiran Dubey, Sariika Singh, and Gayatri Bhargavi, creating a warm and nostalgic school universe that will resonate with audiences of all ages. With music by Red Ribbon, background score by Sidharth Pradeep, and a screenplay co-written by Kaviraj Singh and Anuradha Pundeer Malla, Associate Producer Mohit Srivastava (Director of come back movie of Zayed khan "TFTNW" for Jio Studios)

But it’s his performance as an actor that’s equally worthy of recognition. Sharing screen space with stalwarts like Sanjay Mishra and Victor Banerjee, Kunal more than holds his own. His portrayal is honest, vulnerable, and refreshingly unpolished — the kind that doesn’t scream for attention but stays with you long after the scene is over. He inhabits his character with empathy and realism, adding depth to the already emotionally layered film.

What’s perhaps most impressive is how seamlessly he switches hats between director and actor. There’s a cohesion in the storytelling that suggests deep personal investment — the kind that can only come from someone who is living every frame, both in front of and behind the camera.

If the trailer is anything to go by, 5th September promises a cinematic experience that will resonate with students, teachers, parents, and anyone who has ever been touched by the power of belief.