User reviews

Kumbalangi Nights is such a aesthetic movie; the simplicity, the realness feel,the genuineness of the characters, they are flawed, so real and relatable, the cinematography, the score, the highlight of the film would be Soubin Shabir and Fahad Fazil, the acting performance by them was a tapestry in perfection, the vibe of the entire movie give me chills and made me leave the theater with a smile.

This is a movie that every single man will connect to and embrace. Fahadh Faasil and Friends shatters all pre-established strictures of movie-making and imbues something hereto unprecedented, thus elevating the grounds of Malayalam film industry above the limits of criticism. The film delivers entertainment and instruction on an equal footing, never failing to keep us involved with the fortunes and predicaments of its characters. The film's final sequences are epiphanic. It effectively manages to tell us-from within its single setting and few characters-that perhaps holding onto humanity is the best hope for a society which is on the verge of disintegration from heinous prejudices.

Kumbalangi Nights is, without a doubt, a simple yet magical tale that the ever-dependable Syam Pushkaran has penned and Madhu C Narayanan has directed. Why I mention these two names before everyone else's is because I wish to emphasize how the former's effortlessly brilliant writing and the latter's craft are integral to the success of this film. There is a sense of conviction in each of the scenes that Pushkaran has written and they've been rendered scintillatingly fresh by Narayanan. Supported greatly by the marvellous cinematography by Shyju Khalid and the hauntingly relaxing musical score by Sushin Shyam, Kumbalangi Nights ensures that it was meant to be 2019's first gem. I cannot even find the right superlatives to describe the performances put in by members of the cast; be it the four brothers - Bobby (Shane Nigam), Saji (Soubin Shahir), Boney (Sreenath Bhasi), and Franky (Mathew Thomas), or the womenfolk who enter the men's lives - Babymol (Anna Ben), Nylah (Jasmine Metivier), and Sathy (Sheela Rajkumar); of course, what rounds off the cast is the cleverly underwritten antagonist Shammy (Fahadh Faasil).

It is an islet universe than Syam and Madhu take us to, in Kumbalangi Nights, and a beautiful one indeed. The layers attributed to each character in this universe that they've built is what makes the film so utterly grounded, situationally funny, and shockingly disturbing at the same time. The dialogues of the movie clearly portray how skilful a writer Syam Pushkaran is; he knows his characters and their surroundings inside out. Right from Franky's trophies, Bobby's Bluetooth speakers, Saji's smoke-free kitchen, and Boney's moonwalk, the protagonists have been given the sort of texture that is difficult to replicate. They are flawed individuals who haven't got a clue about adulting and still get into brawls over the silliest of matters, yet have an unspoken sense of affection for each other which is hard to ignore and wish to make things better for themselves. Shammy, on the other hand, is a mystery throughout. He carries the kind of smirk that comes across as innocent and affable at times and the absolute creepiest at others.

An uncanny masterstroke setting the story in ravishing rural Kochi where one household tries to get its familial foundation back together and the other ultimately crumbling into little fragments, I cannot imagine Kumbalangi Nights taking place anywhere else. Right from the use of fishing nets as a picnic bed for the lovers to the astonishingly charming moonlit nights, Kumbalangi is indeed its own character in the movie. The romantic angles in the movie have their share of cute 'aww' moments even when they stay completely in touch with everything that happens in the film. Anna Ben's character Babymol is, in a way, pivotal to pushing the storyline forward. She is the connecting link between the two families (one that's visibly worn out and trying hard to stitch itself back together and one that's doing pretty fine in the conventional sense of it, but is inching towards imminent doom) and together with her sister Simi (Grace Antony, who gets to shine in a scene right before the climax), and buddy Sumisha (Riya Saira), fortunately, gift the viewers sensible, memorable female characters. In another film, the character of Sathy wouldn't have even been an afterthought. But in Kumbalangi Nights, her character is as essential to the plot just as the rest of them are.

There's no shortage of praise for the men either - Shane adds a youthful dazzle to 'freak machan' Bobby; Soubin, in one of his career-best performances, proves he's one of the finest character actors of our times when he portrays the good-for-nothing but overly emotional Saji; Sreenath Bhasi is admirable as the mute Boney; Mathew Thomas, as Franky, conveys the transition from sadness to happiness in the Napolean household pretty well. Fahadh Faasil, as we all know, is in a league of his own, and as Shammy, the man delivers nothing short of a stunner. Believe me when I say that the climax has a fantastic surprise in store as well. I guess I can keep raving about Kumbalangi Nights till I see Syam Pushkaran come up with something even more brilliant; until then, this is the benchmark that Malayalam cinema needs to look up to. This is exactly how you tell an engaging story even when the plot is ridiculously simple. The people of Kumbalangi really do enjoy little things - like their fishy curry, their music, their little romantic moments, and of course, the virtue of humanity and the power of healing. These little (yet not-so-little) things make Kumbalangi Nights one of the best films in recent memory. Three cheers and two thumbs up!

The soundtrack, the acting, the feel of the movie.. Everything that the movie offers is like reality mixed with so many emotions... You just can't hold back. Pass me the tissues :')

I don't know how to review a film so I have never written a review before but this film definitely deserves one.i could not see any acting in the film they were really living.the combinations scenes of soubin and Shane felt so touching and that was the best.we could see fahad in a role that was not performed by anyone else.so if u want to enjoy and create laughing memories u should give the film a try and definitely it won't disappoint u.

Beauty of Kumbalangi mesmerisingly cinematographed by Shyju Khalid would easily evoke yearning for the beautiful homeland in any non-resident keralite. Kumbalangi nights specifically is captured exceptionally beautifully.

Soubin's character of Saji has been brilliantly conceived and Soubin has played Saji to perfection. Soubin has plenty of challenging scenes, all challenges won with flying colors.

Characterization of Shammy has been just as outstanding - hats off to Shyam Pushkaran for such unique and fresh conceptions. Fahadh has played Shammy to perfection as well. Expectation from Fahadh has indeed taken a very big leap and perfect portrayals do not seem to merit particular mention any more. He is the Messi of acting!

The song "Cherathukal' is so soulful and captivating. However,it felt wasted in the movie as it was not blended in well. Music actually was pretty good. Background music felt even better. "Silent Cat" and "Cherathukal" were awesome songs - some of the other songs did not match Bijibal's finesse in Thondimuthalum/Maheshinte Prathikaram. The script keeps navigating the viewer into banks of rich realism. While this journey was enjoyable, towards the end, was wondering if the movie would end on one of those banks. Instead, the movie delivers serious punch towards the end before signing off almost nonchalantly.

Subtitles of the movie were below par. Did not match the vibe/spirit of the conversations.

Everyone has acted well. Kumbalangi nights is beautiful - as a movie and as seen through Shyju Khalid's eyes. Direction is excellent. Must-watch!

Outstanding work by the team, each and every character in the movie was perfect for their respected roles. I just loved it completely

Right from the song Cherathukal in the beginning kumbalangi nights captures the beauty of the nights in Kumbalangi. The story revolves around 4 brothers who are totally different from each other and how they get connected to each other when they find themselves in a problem. A brilliant attempt from the team of Dileesh Pothan. Will always stay as one of the best realistic movies made in India. Each and every member of the cast and crew deserves a big appreciation.

A simple story presented in a different style. Felt the movie is highly overrated, considering the hype and praises showered on it.

#kumbalanginights A perfect movie. The film describes the unpleasant life of 4 brothers, help each other to attain a good life by having family. But the story turns around when a strange character enters the story line. Acting of each artist is 👌🏼 BGM cinematography everything is top notch #Fahadfazil nailed it.

There's a persevering feeling of tranquility and peace in here, that not only soothes your heart and soul but it also freshens up your state of mind. Those scintillating visuals (utilizing the scenic elegance of Kerala was a terrific choice) alongside an enervating composition make for a certain surrealistic ambiance that immensely helps to build up the narrative as well as the personalities entailed.

As far as characters are concerned; all of them are vivid, lively, and fraught with exuberance thus it comes to be quite simple for us, for the viewers to establish connections on a personal level! Unfortunately, the same remark won't go well either with the core storyline or with the cultivated conflicts herein.

I am in no way suggesting, that "Kumbalangi Nights" has a poor write-up; no, as a matter of fact, they sought to comment on a bunch of prevalent societal issues; the likes of Fragile Masculinity, Casteism, Religious divide, etc. But all of those things were talked about or should I rather say presented on a surface level without any depth whatsoever! And that is something, neither did I anticipate nor did I yearn for! It's not necessarily a flaw since it's got more to do with my personal set of expectations but yes, I did want them to elaborate, which they didn't!

Bit underwelming, though kind of expected it based on the trailer. Far too many of these slice of life realistic films overhyped to the core. It kind of feels the makers are trying to hide a lack of depth in script. Yes there are new elements like : highlighting depression (shoubin did a great job), finding black women exotic & general beauty of kumbalangi village. But it just felt like watching a few episodes of marimayam or aliyan v aliyan. Nevertheless considering its a debut director, was a good attempt. Likewise on the technical front & casting as well, with everyone doing a great job especially shoubin & fahad.

Straight to the point, "What makes this story special?" The answer lies in the fact that over the time human's conscience has started questioning the rights and wrongs of our society. There is no absolute right or wrong in our lifetime here. This law is applicable to every scenario we face in this world. The one consistent thing we shall ensure to have a peaceful lifetime is to make sure we embrace love close to our heart. And this idea makes the story special! Director Madhu C Narayanan is largely successful in displaying this thought at the same time incorporating all the good and not so good elements of our society. The story is soft and light hearted while exploring the emotions of every characters but the BGM plays crucial role in evoking the feeling of viewers. Every character has put their heart out while playing their part especially Soubin Shahir with his acting skills has made eyes wet at many instances. Fahad Fasil once again proves his immense talent with character Shammy who is grey shaded but leaves a strong impression. The cinematography, art direction, location selection and BGM have been accurate. The narrative is new and refreshing which takes time for us to get immersed to their lives almost till end of first half but story turns unkind and leaves us guessing what's up next in second half. The strong point of script is all the character's emotions are well connected to their past and secondly the movie is really funny and unpredictable at times. The only weak point of the movie is that at many instance the audibility falls below par and leaves the audience guessing.

Viewer rating: 5/5 Critic point of view: 4/5

Reducing Kumbalangi Nights to a drama film with some comic elements would be gross injustice.This is high art and one more proud moment for Malayalam cinema, which is on a new high with the advent of a bunch of highly talented young movie makers and technicians who honestly loves the art of visual story telling.If ordinary is something invisible, the writer director duo of KN are Gods because they have created something never seen before from things and incidents we see,hear and dismiss or forget every day.The stories protagonists are our friends or friends of our friends.There are brother s who fight and lovers who can't unite.There is a bad guy with whom every one in the theater would fall in love.Photographed by someone who loves his job, KN is a visual treat.. name's shyju Khalid.Sushin Shyam gives a score that adds to the visual splendour. Actors simply lived their part..every one of them.Shyam Pushkaran keeps on writing and tirelessly mesmerizes. Madhu.c.Narayanan has arrived

The way these guys picturise their land, the culture, we can just feel and smell the whole thing in front of the monitor; Malayalam Cinema just excels in it. Such a streamlined screenplay with beauty etched in each and every frame. The brilliant cinematography of Shyju Khalid and soulful musical from Sushin Shyam, made sure the Nights are as bright as it can be!

Soubin Shahir is emerging like anything as an actor. His presence along with Shane Nigam, provides the authentic feel that one can get in a feature and a different role altogether from Fahadh Faasil.

One of the best soulful experience I ever had. Highly recommended. Let it sink in..let it sink you in.

What an awesome movie watched on Amazon prime. Being as a North Indian I was not able to sure whether I should watch it or not.

But now I guess I am addicted to watch Malayalam movies. I am not bollywood aur typical action South Indian movie lover.

But there is something unique in Malayalam movies industries, their actings are very subtle and great they act with their eyes and facial expressions.

I loved every minute of this movie.

Now I am sure I'll watch only Malayalam movies and will cover all classic movies belong to this industries.

Please suggest me some movies having such emotions like this movie.

This movie gives all me all emotions. It gives life to all characters, every single one in the movie has done their best. Just " hats off"

Four half brothers and their journey to unite one of them to the girl he loves is the story of KN. You will walkout smiling when you leave the theater. What I love the most about the movie are the subtle ways to give many messages to the viewers. KN also makes fun of toxic masculinity. It also shows that love doesn't see or care religion ( Bobby and Saji ) , language ( Bonny and Saji ) , nationality ( Bobby ). I felt like reading a visual shorty story on screen as each characters are well developed with depth. Watch it

Camera director is ridiculous talented. All the scenes are mind blowing. Although i am from assam and one of my friend from bangalore recommended this movie and i am middle of the movie while writing this review. Only thing that i can say till soo far literally the cinematographer is insanely talented. The colour temperature, the focus on characters, will seriously blow your mind.

No story Boring movie Jus good for its cinematography

One of the best movie in 2019. Fahad too good. Soulful. Realistic.

This has to be one of the best films ever made in Malayalam. If I had to express how I felt after watching it, I would say my soul feels full & happy.

Kumbalangi looks beautiful like a poetry in motion, it's residents all ordinary & real, nothing spectacular about them. And that's where lies the beauty of the film and the talent of the filmmaker. He creates a world so real, emotions so raw, that you cannot but feel for the characters. Soubin has delivered a performance which is par excellence & his scene with the psychiatrist is a cathartic experience not just for him but for the audience as well. Under any other actor Shammy would have been a caricature, but Fahad is brilliant & original as usual. Anna Ben is impressive & Shane Nigam is charming. Glad to see strong female characters, Grace Antony steals the mosquito bat scene. No character is wasted, each has a role taking forward the movie towards the climax which has some hilarious action.

Don't miss this gem of a movie for anything.