SameirAli

A decade ago, Malayalam cinema saw the release of Ithihasa, a film that was just as entertaining as its original concept. Building on the whimsical fantasy of body-swapping, Padakkalam (2025) presents a commendable attempt at storytelling. Director Manu Swaraj successfully handled the film with confidence right from the start.

The movie kicks off brilliantly, engaging the audience with amusing moments and a seamless narrative that dives straight into the story without unnecessary detours. However, while the first half sets high expectations, the second half struggles to live up to them. It feels as though the writing did not anticipate the film becoming such a major success. Once the actors found their rhythm in the latter half, the screenplay lost some of its essence. If certain overlooked sequences had been given a more thrilling edge, Padakkalam could have become truly unforgettable. For a film with this premise, the climax should have been crafted with maximum tension and conflict to elevate its impact.

That said, the film does shine in several areas. The script cleverly addresses audience questions and doubts through its characters, making for some truly engaging moments. The performances are solid, particularly Sandeep Pradeep, who delivers well on both fronts. However, Ranjith Sir's portrayal felt disconnected, with his expressions lacking cohesion.

For viewers who walked into the theater with no particular expectations, Padakkalam turns out to be an unexpected jackpot-an enjoyable surprise.

A great thriller keeps you hooked without unnecessary distractions, and this movie does exactly that. Every scene unfolds in its own unique setting, keeping things fresh and engaging. The raw, unpolished filmmaking style adds to the realism, making the experience feel even more immersive. The performances are truly impressive-not just from the actors but from the entire crew, who bring the story to life with skill and intensity. The pacing keeps you on edge, making it a gripping watch.

If this film were Korean, it would likely receive endless praise, yet Stolen hasn't gotten the recognition it truly deserves. It delivers everything a solid thriller should, but somehow remains underappreciated. Definitely worth checking out!

#KiduMovie 200/2025.

176/2025

Yolo (2024) #IMDb : 6.9/10 #RottenTomatoes : 82% #KiduMovie : 90%

Taking on the dual challenge of directing and embodying the lead role-especially with a drastic physical transformation-is no small feat. And when the film revolves around sports and an emotionally rich drama, the stakes are even higher. Yet, Ling Jia pulls it off masterfully.

At its core, a film's strength lies in its characters. When the protagonist captivates the audience, the filmmakers have truly succeeded. Yolo (2024) achieves this in its first half, building a strong emotional connection between the viewer and the central character. Just when it seems like the narrative might falter in the second half, the film takes a sharp turn, pulling the audience back in with gripping storytelling. The result? A powerful, overwhelming cinematic experience that leaves a lasting impression.

#boxing #drama #transformation #review #comedy #director.