Praavinkoodu Shappu

While it may not stand out as one of the mentionable entries among Malayalam thrillers, it does have a few clever tricks up its sleeves, particularly the detailing went into the execution of the "murder," which will surely deliver some delightful surprises for the susceptible audience.

However, the primary issue in the script lies in its blunt predictability.

For those well accustomed to Malayalam cinema and its conventions specifically within the space of thrillers, the identity of the culprit becomes apparent long before the final reveal.

Not to mention, Integrating a renowned figure among the suspects tends to give away the outcome more often than not, making it an easy, calculated deduction, especially when other personalities on board lack adequate materials in terms of their narratives and backstories.

Good story wasted by too many red herrings and a bad ending. Basil Joseph did try to carry it through. Chopping last 20 minutes could have improved it, but that may be the case when Bollywood remakes it.

I did like some long takes with stylized action and performance by all the actors. All OK barring some unrelated police station scenes and needless ending drama. A simple mystery with "who dunnit" could have been enough.

Although a predictable murder mystery with creative narration is always welcome. This is still far better than the junk cinema being churned out elsewhere. Too much confusion, not in story but in directing.

I had a hard time figuring out how much I liked this film. This is one of those films that if I was watching with someone else, their opinion would have been pivotal to my final opinion of it. There's so much to like in this film, from the general quirkiness, the performances, the technical side with great cinematography and editing, etc. But at the same time, there's also a lot that doesn't work. It does feel like a try-hard most of the time. The plot itself is simple and lackluster but they have tried to make it interesting by making it a stylistic non linear comedy. The comedy was hit or miss. It's refreshing when it hits but a lot of times it misses and the misses are cringe at best and frustratingly annoying at worst. But towards the end, it kind of becomes a total tonal mess, and adding extensive exposition also didn't help. Overall it's kind of fun and the way it unfolds is certainly interesting but even with such a dream technical execution for a debutant director, the script lacks substance and shows the inexperience there. This really feels like people may love it if they get the vibe or they may just think it's another boring investigation movie.

Rating - 3.25/5

A satirical investigation drama on the backdrop of a countryside toddy shop in Thrissur.

The plot of the story is on a murder that happened inside the toddy shop and the hilarious events surrounding the investigation forms the base for the storyline.

Sreeraj has dealt the subject by blending light humour moments in the story. The story lost its grip in few areas in the first half and gets back on track after the intermission with some interesting developments. The detailing given to the modus-o-perandi in crime seems convincing but the way the entire story was layered felt wimpy.

Good performance by Basil Joseph as the investigative officer with his waggish mannerisms and witty laugh. Subtle performance of the character by Soubin. Impressive performances by Shivajith,Chemban Vinod,Chandini,Sabareesh Varma and few theatre artists who played the characters in the toddy shop.

Good Background score by Vishnu Vijay especially in the climax sequences.

A fair attempt by Sreeraj Sreenivasan with a distinctive narrative style.

Pravinkoodu shappu:

an engaging murder mystery with top notch performances by Basil Joseph and Soubin Shahir

packed with good twists, light humor and pulse-pounding climax.

Bus chase and action scenes was a visual treat to see...deceiving elements really work well.

Basila and Soubin shines with all other supporting actors performing really well.

Made me laugh for some scenes and some dialogues were like natural and didn't feel they are acting at all..

short of words to say about this semi comedy thriller....

don't miss ...a must watch definitely .. Malyalam movie is at its peak since 2024.