As someone who’s followed Mammootty’s career for decades, I was really looking forward to Kalamkaval, especially after all the delays and the buzz around its teaser. Now that I’ve finally seen it, I can say the wait was mostly worth it.
This is director Jithin K. Jose’s first film, and honestly, you wouldn’t guess it from watching. He previously wrote Kurup, and you can see he knows how to build tension and keep viewers engaged. The story follows a Kerala Police investigation in a small village called Kottayikonam that starts simple but quickly spirals into something much darker and more complex.
What really works here is the atmosphere. The tagline “The Venom Beneath” perfectly captures the mood. There’s this underlying tension throughout the film that keeps you on edge. The cinematography by Faisal Ali is solid, especially in the darker scenes that make you feel the weight of the investigation. The rural Kerala setting adds authenticity that you don’t always get in mainstream cinema.
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Mammootty is in top form. At this stage of his career, he doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone, but he still brings that intensity and presence that makes you unable to look away. His scenes with Vinayakan are particularly strong. Vinayakan, who plays opposite him, holds his own and their dynamic drives much of the film forward. The supporting cast, including Rajisha Vijayan, Meera Jasmine, and others, add depth to the story.
The film’s runtime is about two hours and twenty minutes, which feels right for a crime thriller. It doesn’t drag unnecessarily, though there are a couple of moments in the middle where the pacing could’ve been tighter. Mujeeb Majeed’s music complements the dark tone without being overpowering.
My only real complaint is that some plot threads feel like they could’ve been explored more deeply. The film introduces several cases and mysteries, and while most get resolved, a few felt rushed toward the end. Also, with all the hype, I expected maybe one more big twist that never quite came.
But these are minor issues in what’s otherwise a well-crafted thriller. Jithin K. Jose shows real promise as a director, and it’s refreshing to see Malayalam cinema continue to push boundaries with neo-noir storytelling.
Rating: 3.5/5 – A solid crime thriller that showcases Mammootty’s star power and marks an impressive directorial debut. Worth your time if you enjoy investigative dramas with dark undertones.