Padakkalam

A thoroughly entertaining movie that cleverly infuses fantasy and campus movie shenanigans into one. It's filled with so many fun pop culture references that don't feel forced, like they would have been 10 years ago, due to the change in culture in general. These pop culture references are cleverly used in the progress of the plot without sticking out. Body control and body swap stories haven't been too much in Malayalam cinema, nonetheless, this is probably the best among those. I expected Suraj and Sharafu to give great performances that are fun to watch, but Sandeep Pradeep surprised me with his shift in the second half. Just after Alappuzha Gymkhana, he's able to show what he's capable of here. I do think there are aspects of this movie that could've been better. Still, it's after some time that I am quite satisfied with a movie that is just meant to be a fun entertainer without delving into anything serious thematically or cinematically. The song "Whisitlu Bigilu" is still playing in my mind after the credits rolled out, it's so catchy and energetic and encapsulates the whole feeling of the movie.

Padakkalam is a movie that really surprises you. It starts off like a usual college story but quickly turns into something very different, mixing fun, mystery, and a bit of black magic. Story is fresh and doesn't feel like something you've seen before, which makes it interesting from the beginning to the end.

The best part of the movie is the group of students. Their chemistry feels real, and they bring a lot of fun and energy. Sharfudeen and Suraj stand out with their great acting, and the whole cast does a really good job. Everyone has a moment to shine, and that makes the film more enjoyable.

Comedy is well timed, and the twists keep you hooked. It's clear that the director and writer put in a lot of effort to keep the movie engaging and fast-paced.

Overall its a light-hearted, entertaining film that offers something different. It's a good weekend pick, especially if you want to watch something fun and unique with friends. It may not be a big-budget film, but it has a lot of heart and creativity.

From the very beginning, Padakkalam grabs your attention. The opening scenes create a strong hook, and the audience connects with it instantly.

The performances by Safboi, Arun, Sandeep, and Arun (the fourth actor) are all good. Among them, Sandeep truly stands out. This is easily his best performance so far.

Sharafudeen and Suraj bring a healthy competition to the screen, each trying to give their best.

The story is completely fictional, but it's interesting and unique. If you don't connect with the story, then this movie may not be for you. It's that important to the overall experience.

The humour in the movie works really well. There are moments where the jokes truly land, and you'll find yourself laughing from the heart.

One of the best things about Padakkalam is the curiosity it maintains throughout. It keeps you engaged and wondering what's next. Although the second half has a small slowdown, the overall journey is still enjoyable.

Director Manu Swaraj, in his debut, has done an excellent job. He proves himself as another promising talent from Friday Film House.

In short, Padakkalam is a decent watch if you're looking for a light, entertaining movie with laughs, emotions, and a bit of suspense. A good choice for a fun time at the theatre.

Rating - 3.75/5

An out and out laughter treat that pulls you into a mind loop with exciting and engaging story served in a humour template.

The plot of the story is about how 4 boys try to tackle the evil intentions of their Professor through a mysterious dice board on the backdrop of an engineering college.

Manu Swaraj has exceptionally placed the story on screen with an incredible screenplay leaving no loose ends. He has effortlessly managed to incorporate mystery and spoof elements without affecting the pace and mood of the story. The brilliance of the script in hooking the audience is blatantly visible by the way he manipulates the minds of the audience. Hats off to you for giving an unforgettable movie experience with immense laughter moments,funny dialogues and interesting developments in the story.

Subtle performance by Suraj and he has carried the mood of an emotionally broken family man precisely. SharafUDheen gave a marvellous delivery through his attitude and his infectious smile. Zandeep has made a stellar performance and he proves that he is here to stay with his unparalleled delivery in the latter half. Arun Ajikumar,Saafboi and Arun Pradeep also made impressive performances as the boys gang and they kept the quirkiness and mood alive through their funny performances and dialogue delivery. Pooja Mohanraj also gave a brilliant performance in the movie through her witty and instant reactions.

Kudos to Anu Moothedan for effortlessly capturing the quirkiness and mystery perfectly trimmed by Nidhin Raj Arol maintaining the pace and vibrance of the story. The scores and BGM's by Rajesh went well synchronized with the story and Renganaath Raave's contribution to sound design is worth mentioning. This is another golden feather to the Friday Film banner exploring and encouraging unique stories.

A perfectly steam cooked and aromatic fun to watch entertainer on the weekends.

Highly recommend to those who want a good laugh and a memorable experience in the theatre. HIGHLY recommend it...its just WOW..like a huge applaud to the cast and the scriptwriter and everyone elseee..Really had a good laugh and its a good movie to watch with your friends and family..The acting is just top notch...I really didn't notice 2 hours passing by and that speaks for itself cuz a good movies doesn't make us realise that time is passing by...so just go watch it y'all..I have nothing else to say and I'm only writing this much cuz they said the minimum char is like 300 something so just go watch it...BYEEEE.