User reviews

Kalamkaval turns out to be a satisfying outing on all fronts. The makers deserve praise for staying away from the usual commercial additives and hero-villain glorifications. Instead, the film remains grounded, staying true to its core narrative without unnecessary compromises. While the basic plot idea is known to majority before the release, the narration stays engaging through its clever tweaks to a familiar premise, introducing intriguing twists and turns that hold the viewer's attention.

Full credit goes to MammoottyKampany production house for attempting such an experiment. Jithin Jose's first attempt as a director is a noteworthy one, as he handles the material with a sure hand and clear vision. The script by Jithin and Jishnu is interesting and neat, maintaining focus while adding enough layers to keep the drama moving.

Performance-wise, Mammootty, as always, is a treat in negative or grey-shaded characters, and here too he delivers with the same impact, enhanced by a natural Trivandrum slang. Vinayakan is a revelation, using limited mannerisms and effective body language to deliver a controlled performance. His dialogue delivery also feels distinctly different from what we have seen in many of his previous films, adding freshness to his character.

On the technical side, the team follows a quality-driven, minimalistic approach that fits the film's tone perfectly. The craft stays unobtrusive yet effective, supporting the slow-burn mood rather than overpowering it.

Kalamkaval is definitely worth a watch, especially if you are not looking for a loud, commercial thriller but a more grounded, character-driven crime drama. As a deliberate slow burn with strong performances and clean writing, it stands out as a quality theatrical experience for those who appreciate measured storytelling over constant high-voltage thrills.

Rating - 4/5

A dark raw psycho serial - crime investigation thriller that delivers with its precise writing, stable execution and masterclass performances.

The plot of the story is about the hunt for a psycho criminal and unfolds how Kerala Police brings down this venomous animal.

Exceptional writing by Jithin & Jishnu who has layered the crime mystery story and blended the investigation portions into it so effortlessly with peak performances from the artists. The screenplay, dialogues and narration is so intriguing that you cannot take your eyes off from the screen. The first half of the story sets premise for the core of the story that ends with an absolutely shocking interval block revealing the monster. The second half moves through the investigation and cross examinations with a stellar climax sequence. I strongly admit the hype for the movie was real and its always a delight and ecstacy to watch Mammootty shining in a grey shade character and this time with a real performer, Vinayakan. Big hugs to Jithin for the brilliant execution of the story. Hats off to the team for the sensational casting.

It's an outright show by Mammookka who just elevated his performances through the character traits, cunning smile and cues. Mammookka was an absolute showstealer in the first half giving many high moments and goosebumps. Vinayakan gave a poised and controlled performance as the investigation officer. Jibin Gopinath, Biju Pappan, Shruthi, Gayathri, Dhanya Ananya & other low key female artists also performed their characters impressively.

Hats off to the musical magician Mujeeb Majeed who just elevated the movie experience with the incredible vintage songs and spectacular background scores giving goosebumps. Good framing by Faisal Ali finetuned with crisp cuts by Praveen Prabhakar. Shajie Naduvil's contribution to the vintage backdrop settings, Liju Prabhakar's colour grading, sound mixing/design by Rajakrishnan/Kishan & Abhijith's thoughtful costume designs deserves special mention.

A complete visual treat by Jithin & Mammootty Kampany that definitely deserves a theatre experience.

Mammootty bounces back with a strong performance (and production venture) after the totally forgettable Bazooka and a strictly mediocre Dominic and the Ladies' Purse. He's playing homme fatale Stalin Das, and the list of women he offs keeps getting bigger and bigger. Vinayakan plays Jayakrishnan (a.k.a Nath), the cop on the hunt for the guy, and the film takes the shape of a typical procedural. But what makes the difference here is not just the casting against type. Of course, Mammootty adds Stalin to his recent slew of terrific performances, and (a deliberately restrained) Vinayakan gets his heroic shine towards the end. Even though the subject matter involves some 20+ murders, it isn't some insanely violent bloodfest.

There's no attempt to objectify the victims, and the direction by Jithin K Jose (who worked on the script for Kurup), while not super stylized, effectively conveys the plot and its developments. At a point, the modus operandi of the killer becomes obvious, so there's a chance several scenes could've felt super repetitive. This is, however, tackled with solid editing work by Praveen Prabhakar, who smoothly intercuts Stanley's interactions with several women and conveys the message without overplay. Mammookka chews up the scenery and the cigarettes.. in short, he's KILLER (pun intended)!

I found Vinayakan's performance to be solid too, unlike a lot of others. Maybe a little more work could've gone into the dialect side of things, but otherwise, he's good. There's an element of mystery to his character that we get to witness in a fascinatingly short outburst towards the end. The ladies don't have a lot of texture except to be floored (literally and figuratively) by Stanley, but the presence of actors like Rajisha and Shruti certainly helps. Mujeeb Majeed is on such a roll, cracking the retro music vibe of the film so damn well.. yeah, we won't be needing copyright infringement claims from Ilaiyaraaja sir since we have Mujeeb ;)

The writing (by Jithin and Jishnu) acknowledges the slowness in the film's pace early on and does not resort to gimmicks to hook you in. The story itself has enough for the discerning viewer to stay interested, with both the killer's and the cop's psyches slowly getting explored. Kalamkaval is a real treat for a crime-drama fanatic like myself, with a largely satisfying climactic showdown. I also think it's a film best enjoyed blindly, without reading too much into its real-life references and inspirations.

Kalamkaval stands out as a compelling film driven by a great screenplay and confident execution. From the very first scene, the movie pulls the audience into its world with a strong narrative foundation and a clear sense of direction. The writing deserves special appreciation, as the screenplay is tightly structured, engaging, and emotionally resonant without feeling forced or overstretched.

One of the biggest strengths of Kalamkaval is its screenplay. The story unfolds at a steady pace, maintaining interest throughout while allowing characters and situations enough space to breathe. The dialogues feel natural and purposeful, effectively supporting the plot rather than distracting from it. Each scene contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative, making the film feel cohesive and well thought out.

The execution is equally impressive. The director handles the material with clarity and confidence, ensuring that the vision translates well onto the screen. The transitions between key moments are smooth, and the emotional beats land effectively. There is a strong balance between storytelling and visual presentation, which keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.

Kalam Kaval is a fantastic crime-investigation thriller that stands out for its authenticity and restraint. The film avoids over-the-top commercial gimmicks and mass-masala tropes, choosing instead a grounded, gripping narrative. Mammootty delivers a phenomenal performance in a complex antihero role, commanding every scene with his presence. The background score and screenplay are beautifully crafted, adding depth and tension throughout.

Overall, Kalam Kaval is a clean, intense, and brilliantly executed thriller -- a must-watch.

Mammootty is back with Kalamkaval, showcasing unmatched versatility and once again redefining what it truly means to be a SUPERSTAR.

"A devil with no regrets"- dark, deadly villain.

Vinayakan, as hero, is a standout-minimal mannerisms, sharp body language, and fresh dialogue delivery give him a controlled yet powerful presence.

A huge salute to musical magician Mujeeb Majeed, whose vintage tracks and stunning background score lift the entire film. The BGM, especially "Nilaa Kaayum", is pure goosebumps.

Mammootty Kampany once again proves to be a brand-and a guarantee.

The opening title tag scene, interval punch, and climax stand out as the absolute highlights.

There's a bit of lag in between, but the director's grounded, character-driven approach keeps the film engaging."

Kalamkaval is definitely worth a watch if you prefer a realistic, more rooted crime drama over a loud commercial thriller.

Exceptional performance from the entire team! This movie truly stands out with brilliant acting and powerful storytelling. Mammootty and Vinayakan have delivered outstanding performances that keep you fully engaged from start to finish. It's refreshing to see Mammootty in such a different role, showcasing his remarkable versatility and dedication to trying new characters. The film also carries a very strong message that stays with the audience long after watching. Don't miss this wonderful cinematic experience - it's definitely a must-watch for all movie lovers.

Sometimes the experience of a film rises far above what the script alone promises. Performance becomes the engine that lifts the entire work. Mammootty and Vinayakan show how powerful this effect can be. Their presence sharpens the emotional tone, helps scenes land with weight, and creates tension that the writing by itself may not fully carry.

A role that might feel ordinary on paper becomes layered once they step into it. Their timing, stillness, intensity, and control over small gestures fill the gaps the script leaves behind. Viewers feel drawn in because the actors hold the frame with confidence. The result is that an average narrative begins to feel memorable.

This is the mark of performers who understand how to turn material into an experience. They create mood, shape the rhythm, and give the audience something to hold on to. Even when the story is familiar, the craft they bring gives it a new charge. Their fire makes the film feel larger and more alive.

Starts by showing the depth of Mammootty's character right from the beginning. The makers give a strong introduction, and the movie's colour grading is beautiful. It creates a fresh visual experience for the audience.

The story itself is not new for Malayalam cinema. We have seen similar ideas many times. But Mammootty once again makes it special with his powerful expressions. Choosing such a negative and risky role was a brave decision, and he performs it with full confidence. His screen presence lifts many normal scenes to another level.

However, the casting of the film is a little disappointing. Vinayakan, who is usually known for his strong performances, gives only an average act here. It feels like the character was not fully used or written well for him.

In the second half, the movie slows down a bit. There is a small lag in the middle, and some scenes feel stretched. The background score is also just okay, nothing that gives extra impact or excitement.

In the end, even after the villain is killed, the movie brings him back for a final moment, and the audience was cheering loudly. I felt disappointed seeing a negative character being celebrated like that. It looked like the film was glorifying the villain, and that choice didn't sit well with me.

Overall, Kalamkaval is an average movie that becomes better mainly because of Mammootty's performance. For him, this is a new type of character, but for the Malayalam industry, the theme and treatment are familiar. Still, Big M makes the film worth watching with his acting excellence.

Kalamkaval is a beautiful example of how a slow-burn narrative, when done right, can pull you steadily into its world without relying on noise or gimmicks. The film takes its time to unfold, but every moment feels intentional, layered, and quietly gripping. The pacing allows the tension to simmer beneath the surface, making the eventual emotional payoff all the more impactful.

Mammootty once again proves why he is a legend. His presence is magnetic-controlled, intense, and deeply nuanced. He doesn't need loud dialogues; even the smallest gesture carries weight.

Vinayakan matches him beautifully with a raw, powerful performance that lingers long after the film ends. The dynamic between the two is one of the film's strongest highlights, elevating every scene they share.

Kalamkaval isn't a film for those expecting fast thrills, but for viewers who appreciate atmosphere, character depth, and meaningful storytelling, it's a rewarding and memorable experience.

Kalangaval is one of those films that stays with you long after it ends, mainly because of the powerhouse performances and the sheer brilliance in craft. The leading performances by Mammootty and Vinayakan are nothing short of extraordinary. Mammookka as the notorious villain delivers an intensity that you can still feel even after the movie is over-his screen presence is terrifying, layered, and absolutely stunning. Vinayakan matches that energy with remarkable depth, making their combination one of the biggest highlights of the film.

The acting level, cinematography, BGM, plot, and locations are all outstanding. Every frame feels meticulously crafted, the background score enhances every emotion, and the visuals pull you straight into the world of the movie. You can clearly see the massive hard work of the entire team.

If there's one drawback, it's the climax. The movie builds up so heavily and beautifully, but the ending feels a bit rushed, almost like it gets over in a fraction of a second. That's just my personal viewpoint.

Otherwise, Kalangaval is a brilliant piece of cinema and a true team effort. Huge applause to everyone behind the movie the director, DOP, editor, Mammootty Kampany, Vinayakan, and of course, Mammookka. Their dedication reflects in every moment of the film.

It does look like many viewers are noticing similarities in tone and theme between "Kalamkaval" and "Bhagwat: Chapter One - Raakshas," especially the gritty atmosphere and myth-tinged investigative angle. These genre overlaps can make stories feel familiar even if the narrative paths differ.

And yes - Mammootty's performance is on another level. The intensity and range he delivers at this stage of his career is truly extraordinary. Every release becomes a reminder of why he's considered one of the finest actors in Indian cinema. ⭐🔥

A big shout-out to the entire crew indeed - looks like their work really connected with you! 🎉

Props to an actor of this level, megastar to choose such a controversial role. No other actor in this league in any industry in India or even Hollywood would dare do such a movie. Mammootty played an exceptional villain role making you hate his character in the movie from start till the end. Vinayakan also played a brilliant police officer. Such a technical brilliant movie, hats off to the mollywood industry and the entire cast. Bramayugam to this...only Mammootty can handle such characters at such a high level!

Such a bland, straightforward crime thriller that is filled with plotholes. The fact that Mammootty suggested Vinayakan for a role that was originally planned for Prithviraj makes the miscasting even more glaring. If they had put some effort into making it anything more than the superficial stuff, this could've been way better. I mean, they included so many dialogues for Vinayakan's character, most of which sounded stupid, to make sense for the way the movie ends, but besides those almost expository dialogues, it doesn't explore anything thematically when it could've been a brilliant mirror to the main crime that is being investigated. The more I think about this movie, the more disappointing it becomes.

RATED 8/10 Language: malayalam Source: Nil Media Partner: Sony Liv RECOMMENDED

First things first, Mammootty's performance is outstanding and the main reason to watch this movie. He carries the film effortlessly from start to finish.

Although a few moments are predictable, the film's crisp runtime is one of its biggest strengths. The stylish use of the cigarette, retro song, and vintage tones adds flair and enhances the heroic moments.

The way they unfolded the crime layer is very good-some sequences are brilliant, while a few, especially the sketch-artist scene, feel a bit misleading.

This isn't a classic or a masterpiece, but if you keep your expectations in check, you'll definitely enjoy the film.

Excellently written and directed by newcomer Jithin k Jose ; presented a high standard crime thriller with stunning performances of Mammokka and Vinayakan .!

Before coming to talk about their performance , let me say ,there are many female characters in this film, many are come in single or two scenes, but none of them seemed to be miscast and their acting is natural ; its hard to mention every female characters, Shruthi done a fine job, for Rajisha's talents -this one is easy yet convincing role, Gayatri Arun is my pick among all the women -she feels so real and touching for me!

Gibin gopinath showing his skills well and now Back to the Main Lead roles

First the hero - Vinayakan- his subtle acting and dialogue delivery is great ,he done a fantastic work as a brilliant cop !!!

Finally the Villain- oh man -he does it again - Mammokka's another strongest superb acting role - he outlived as psycho serial killer- Fabolous work .

All the technical aspects are very good, especially music by Mujeeb Majeed- he is setting new benchmarks .

So if you Love Good crime investigative movies with Top Class performances- Go for this one !!

If you know the real story of Cyanide Mohan, you already understand the kind of events that took place. But the makers of this film do not try to make a usual biopic about a serial killer. Instead, they take the central idea, the type of character, and the nature of the incidents, and rebuild everything into a new, fictional world. This approach works very well, giving the film a strong cinematic feel.

The writing keeps a dark, eerie mood from the very beginning. The film balances the serial-killing events and the police investigation without losing tension. The narration slowly builds a cat-and-mouse chase between the killer and the officer, The climax twist is handled nicely.

Mammootty is simply outstanding in the lead role. His performance brings out the psychopath's behaviour with incredible detail - from small, innocent-looking smiles to chilling evil expressions, and the sharp eye movements he uses while watching his victims. Vinayakan too stands out with his unique dialogue delivery and strong acting. The supporting cast, including Gibin Gopinath, deliver convincing performances.

Overall, This film is a gripping, well-crafted thriller that avoids the usual Serial - Killer biopic structure.

Mammootty delivers yet another startling performance, proving again how age has only deepened his craft. The roles he chooses now are restrained yet powerful, and Kalamkaval stands tall among them. His screen presence is unmistakable. Simple actions like walking, talking, or sipping coffee carry an intensity that few actors can achieve. It is not loud acting, but deeply felt.

This is a crime investigation thriller rooted in a true story, which makes the experience even more unsettling. The theme is dark and grounded in reality. The film opens with a melodious English song composed specifically for the movie, instantly drawing the viewer in. The music throughout is thoughtfully placed and effective.

The first few minutes establish the shock, after which the narrative unfolds steadily and confidently. While Mammootty is exceptional, Vinayakan deserves equal praise. His portrayal of the investigating officer is understated, natural, and deeply convincing.

The film explores the human psyche with remarkable simplicity, making the tension constant and immersive till the very end.

The story is inspired from one of the most infamous serial killers "cyanide mohanan". Although it had potential for a gripping thriller, the movie delivers only an average movie that too with a lot of lag.

I have seen a lot of people praising Mammootty for his role but for me this role is a clear miscast.

Even after all the makeup, he looks like he is in his late 40s or early 50s. So it really breaks immersion that a guy in his 50s is making so many women in their early 30s to fall in love with him so easily. This role should have been given to someone younger.

I go in for all Mammootty movies to see what my most Favorite actor has to offer differently this time.

Yes, went in with high hopes and came back with so much happiness . Mammootty like never before . Nothing more. 10/10 for the Megastar. I saw Stanley Das and not the megastar. That is Mammootty has given life to this character. That dialect,that swag, that mannerism are all unmatched.

Kalamkaaval arrives as one of the most electrifying Malayalam releases of the year, and it wastes no time in gripping the audience with its intensity, emotional depth, and meticulous craft. Directed with assured control and narrative precision, the film stands out as a superbly fresh addition to the thriller genre-one that is elevated significantly by exceptional performances, especially from Mammootty and Vinayakan.

🌟 Performances: A Masterclass on Display

Mammootty once again proves why he is considered one of India's finest actors. His portrayal is layered, restrained, and powerful-carrying the emotional and moral weight of the film with remarkable ease. Every frame with him commands attention, offering moments of subtle brilliance that only a veteran of his caliber can deliver.

Vinayakan, on the other hand, is extraordinary as the hero in this narrative space. His raw energy, unique screen presence, and emotional authenticity bring a refreshing dynamism to the film. He matches Mammootty's intensity with equal conviction, making their interactions some of the movie's finest moments.

🌀 Writing & Direction: Sharp, Engaging, and Impactful

The movie deserves applause for its tight screenplay. The pacing remains engaging throughout, the emotional beats land effectively, and the film never drags or loses focus. The dialogues feel grounded, the character motivations clear, and the overall narrative structure solid.

The interval twist is a genuine highlight-stunningly executed and unexpected, it injects a jolt of excitement that redefines the direction of the second half.

🎥 Technical Brilliance

The film's technical departments complement the story beautifully:

Cinematography captures both mood and atmosphere with finesse.

Editing is crisp, ensuring a seamless narrative flow.

Background score intensifies key moments without overpowering the drama.

Together, they create a cinematic experience that feels polished and emotionally resonant.

🎬 Final Act & Ending

The movie concludes neatly and purposefully, tying its thematic and emotional threads with precision. The final moments feel earned and satisfying, leaving a lingering impact even after the credits roll.

🔥 Verdict

Kalamkaaval is not just another thriller-it is a blockbuster-worthy film driven by top-tier performances, strong writing, and confident direction. Mammootty's brilliance and Vinayakan's standout act make this a must-watch for fans of quality cinema.

A compelling, fresh, and unforgettable cinematic experience.

A must watch in theater🔥

The best crime thriller movie I have ever watched in Mollywood starting from Anjaam Paathiraa. Unexpected twists , crazy interval scene and so on, hats off to Mammooty !🎬 Although it's about missing women and one more surprise about the protagonist but still not even a single intimate scene. Hats off to director Jithin K. Jose.