Praavinkoodu Shappu

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.

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.

Joseph Basil's role could have been portrayed more effectively by a character with a more serious and grounded presence. While his performance had a few moments that came off as cringeworthy or overly exaggerated, it can still be overlooked when considering the broader context of the film and the strong performances delivered by the rest of the cast. His acting didn't entirely ruin the experience, but a better-suited actor might have elevated certain scenes. Despite that, the film as a whole was enjoyable and engaging. Overall, I loved it and would definitely recommend it to a wide range of audiences.

A Tense and Twisty Ride Worth Every Minute.

This film effortlessly grips you from its opening scene and refuses to let go. From the eerie cinematography to the subtle, creeping score, every element works together to amplify the suspense. The cast delivers standout performances, especially the lead, whose nuanced portrayal keeps you guessing at every turn. While the plot initially seems straightforward, unexpected revelations constantly shift the narrative, making it almost impossible to predict the ending. The director deftly balances tension and intrigue, ensuring that every scene contributes to the overarching mystery rather than feeling like filler. Overall, this movie is a haunting puzzle that thriller enthusiasts will devour-it's clever, unpredictable, and deeply satisfying.

Watched this on OTT due to a Basil Joseph hangover whose brilliance in recent times has been overwhelming..Basil can still wear half pants and pass off as a school boy character or a frustrated young man who vents it out in his trademark comic fashion. But he has a long way to go before essaying a cop's role, funny or otherwise. In a nutshell, the movie shone in parts but simply failed to engage after 1 hour..Basil, pls make up for this in your next one, I'll continue to swear by Malayalam movies with the likes of you around..5 stars for you and some of the funny characters in the toddy shop and the cinematography.