Padakkalam

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.

Kudos the debutants for pulling this off. Such a fresh idea filled with laughter and superb performances. However, the idea had so much potential that it could actually be India's Jumanji but wasted midway. It feels the director lost the plot post the interval and was just dragging it. The three main leads have done a fabulous job with a special mention for the guy who played Jithin. The change in the characters has been played so beautifully that one get totally immersed in their world of madness.

I hope some big names come to help the newbie director and they have a better sequal soon.

Padakkalam is a unique enough experiment in a rather unused genre like supernatural fantasy comedy. The movie starts well and sets up the plot convincingly, but I do have issues with how the characters arrive at understanding the nuances. Well, let's give the makers some leeway for trying something different, and take it in the spirit of entertainment.

In spite of the decent start, it gets horribly confusing midway. At least to me it did. I know the swap-acting is super clever and all, but if you leave the crowd confused in the middle of an important scene, it defeats the purpose.

Sandeep Pradeep did a really good job, as did Sharaf U Dheen, who actually felt like he was breaking away from his usual style. I did not like Suraj in this one though. His performance felt off-key for the overall tone of the film.

All in all, it's a bold attempt to turn this thought into a film. But it drags and struggles for ideas toward the middle and the end. Once they got into it, the premise felt underused. The story had so much potential. It lacked intelligence, craft, and the screenplay was dull. Still, for what it tries to show, it did bring something new to the table.

Padakkalam" is a Malayalam fantasy thriller that cleverly blends superhero fandom with black magic and college life. The film centers around a group of college students who find themselves entangled in bizarre situations after encountering a seemingly ordinary professor with sinister intentions. While the plot may seem outlandish at times, debut director Manu Swaraj uses these situations to create a comedic and engaging experience, particularly for viewers who appreciate superhero lore and supernatural elements.

Plot and Characters: The story revolves around a group of college students, with a particular focus on Jithin (Sandeep Pradeep), who is dealing with a breakup and the eccentric professor Ranjith (Sharafudheen). The narrative incorporates elements reminiscent of "Romancham," but instead of ghosts, it explores the world of black magic. The central conflict arises when the professor's actions lead the students into a series of increasingly bizarre and dangerous situations, forcing them to confront not just the supernatural, but also their own fears and vulnerabilities.

The film features a strong ensemble cast, with Sandeep Pradeep delivering a particularly noteworthy performance as Jithin. Sharafudheen and Suraj Venjaramoodu also play pivotal roles, their characters central to the plot's progression and the film's overall tone. The supporting cast, including Saaf Boi and Arun Pradeep, contribute effectively to the film's comedic and dramatic moments.

Strengths: Unique Blend of Genres: "Padakkalam" stands out for its successful fusion of superhero themes, supernatural elements, and college-life comedy, creating a distinctive cinematic experience.

Engaging Storyline: Despite the bizarre plot points, the film maintains a strong narrative thread, keeping viewers invested in the characters' journey and the unfolding mystery.

Strong Performances: The cast, particularly Sandeep Pradeep, delivers convincing portrayals of their respective characters, contributing to the film's overall impact.

Effective Use of Humor: The film successfully utilizes humor to offset the more intense and supernatural elements, making it an enjoyable watch for a wider audience.

Potential Weaknesses: Bizarre Situations: While the bizarre situations are part of the film's charm, they may not appeal to all viewers, particularly those who prefer more grounded narratives.

Pacing: The film's pacing may feel rushed at times, particularly in the initial stages, as it tries to establish the characters and the supernatural elements.

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.