User reviews

Rating - 3.75/5

An out and out laughter treat that pulls you into a mind loop with exciting and engaging story served in a humour template.

The plot of the story is about how 4 boys try to tackle the evil intentions of their Professor through a mysterious dice board on the backdrop of an engineering college.

Manu Swaraj has exceptionally placed the story on screen with an incredible screenplay leaving no loose ends. He has effortlessly managed to incorporate mystery and spoof elements without affecting the pace and mood of the story. The brilliance of the script in hooking the audience is blatantly visible by the way he manipulates the minds of the audience. Hats off to you for giving an unforgettable movie experience with immense laughter moments,funny dialogues and interesting developments in the story.

Subtle performance by Suraj and he has carried the mood of an emotionally broken family man precisely. SharafUDheen gave a marvellous delivery through his attitude and his infectious smile. Zandeep has made a stellar performance and he proves that he is here to stay with his unparalleled delivery in the latter half. Arun Ajikumar,Saafboi and Arun Pradeep also made impressive performances as the boys gang and they kept the quirkiness and mood alive through their funny performances and dialogue delivery. Pooja Mohanraj also gave a brilliant performance in the movie through her witty and instant reactions.

Kudos to Anu Moothedan for effortlessly capturing the quirkiness and mystery perfectly trimmed by Nidhin Raj Arol maintaining the pace and vibrance of the story. The scores and BGM's by Rajesh went well synchronized with the story and Renganaath Raave's contribution to sound design is worth mentioning. This is another golden feather to the Friday Film banner exploring and encouraging unique stories.

A perfectly steam cooked and aromatic fun to watch entertainer on the weekends.

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.

From the very beginning, Padakkalam grabs your attention. The opening scenes create a strong hook, and the audience connects with it instantly.

The performances by Safboi, Arun, Sandeep, and Arun (the fourth actor) are all good. Among them, Sandeep truly stands out. This is easily his best performance so far.

Sharafudeen and Suraj bring a healthy competition to the screen, each trying to give their best.

The story is completely fictional, but it's interesting and unique. If you don't connect with the story, then this movie may not be for you. It's that important to the overall experience.

The humour in the movie works really well. There are moments where the jokes truly land, and you'll find yourself laughing from the heart.

One of the best things about Padakkalam is the curiosity it maintains throughout. It keeps you engaged and wondering what's next. Although the second half has a small slowdown, the overall journey is still enjoyable.

Director Manu Swaraj, in his debut, has done an excellent job. He proves himself as another promising talent from Friday Film House.

In short, Padakkalam is a decent watch if you're looking for a light, entertaining movie with laughs, emotions, and a bit of suspense. A good choice for a fun time at the theatre.

Jithin is confronted by his girlfriend Jeevika about their relationship and how she doesn't find him to be exciting enough which has got her doubt their future together. Professor Shaji is a shy guy who hopes to be the new HOD but isn't really confident enough to fight for it while the popular Professor Renjith is also eyeing for the same post. Things take a quick turn when Jithin watches Renjith with an ancient artifact, giving him control over Shaji and how he uses to get him lose his chance of being an HOD. Jithin is soon caught by Renjith of knowing his truth. How does Jithin along with his friends and Shaji try to stop Renjith? What mess they all get into in the process and how do they resolve it, forms rest of the story.

Manu Swaraj and Nithin C Babu have written a fun story that stays exciting for most part of the film. The first half takes it's time to settle down while the focus is mostly on Jithin and friends. It is once the major twist happen involving the 3 main characters, film starts getting intriguing and the performances laced with humor carries the film forward. I would have loved a segment showcasing Shaji's plight rather than sharing it as an information as Shaji and Jithin have more in common which was the whole point. The writing gets convenient as the story progresses but it still delivers the fun especially with Renjith and Jithin's clash in the second half.

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.

One of the best fantasy-based thrillers to come out of Indian cinema-refreshingly unique and a new kind of storytelling that stands out in the genre. It's a complete entertainer for families and kids alike. A movie like this has arrived after a long time, and it's a delightful watch for all age groups. You walk out of the theatre excited, your mind buzzing with the story, eager to discuss the twists, the world-building, and the sheer creativity. It's the kind of movie that stays with you well after the credits roll.

Rated 10/10 - A magical ride worth every minute!

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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.

Wow! I never expected this film to be so interesting.

Completely new try. But wow. Engaging till the end.

The director deserves a huge applause. It never looked like his debut.

But the main strength is the cast. Everyone was good but Sharaf U Deen and Sandeep Pradeep were superb. Their cross acts were interesting.

Music and cinematography are good. Neatly edited to 2hrs running time.

The film was hilarious throughout. No lags at all. Just laughs and engaging screenplay. A different story made to a fun watch.

Overall a good film that deserves more appreciation. A must watch for its unusual way.

Padakkalam is a refreshing entertainer that delivers a solid mix of comedy, emotion, and suspense. From the beginning, the film keeps you engaged with its natural humor and relatable characters. The dialogues are witty, and the timing of the comedy is spot on without feeling overdone. What stands out is the surprising twist in the story that adds an exciting layer, giving the movie more depth than expected. The pacing is crisp, and the film doesn't lose momentum. Performances are convincing and contribute well to the overall mood. It's a clean, feel-good film that offers laughs, light thrills, and a satisfying conclusion. A simple yet effective entertainer worth watching.

Padakkalam emerges as a delightful surprise in Malayalam cinema, blending supernatural elements with campus comedy to create a film that's both entertaining and heartfelt. Directed by debutant Manu Swaraj, the movie takes audiences on a quirky journey through the lives of engineering students entangled in a web of magic, rivalry, and friendship.

Plot: Set in the ECE department of a college, the story follows Jithin (Sandeep Pradeep) and his group of nerdy friends who idolize comic book heroes. Their lives take a turn when they discover that their seemingly charismatic professor, Ranjith (Sharafudheen), is involved in supernatural activities. As they delve deeper, they uncover a plot that threatens their new HOD, Shaji (Suraj Venjaramoodu), leading to a battle of wits and magical mayhem.

Performances: The cast delivers stellar performances, with Sharafudheen and Suraj Venjaramoodu standing out in their roles. Sharafudheen's portrayal of the enigmatic professor is both charming and menacing, while Venjaramoodu brings his signature comedic timing to the character of Shaji. Sandeep Pradeep leads the ensemble cast with a fresh and engaging performance, capturing the essence of a nerdy yet brave protagonist.

Direction and Cinematography: Manu Swaraj's direction is both imaginative and grounded, balancing the fantastical elements with relatable campus life scenarios. The film's pacing keeps the audience engaged, with well-timed twists and turns that maintain suspense and humor. Anu Moothedath's cinematography captures the vibrant campus setting, enhancing the film's whimsical tone.

Music and Sound: Rajesh Murugesan's music complements the film's mood, seamlessly blending whimsical tunes with suspenseful scores. The background score adds depth to the supernatural elements, heightening the tension during critical moments.

Final Thoughts: Padakkalam is a refreshing addition to the Malayalam film industry, offering a unique mix of fantasy, comedy, and drama. Its engaging storyline, strong performances, and imaginative direction make it a must-watch for fans of genre-blending films. While it may not delve deep into the complexities of its supernatural elements, it succeeds in delivering an entertaining and emotionally resonant experience.

Interesting movie with surprise and twist and execution also good. Movie team know how to make this concept works for all type audience and make audience engaged in movie with predictable and unpredictable twist which give both surprising element and satisfaction.

Though the execution of concept done well actors in movie also carry the success of the movie in their shoulder because of the differentiation they need to show in the film after the main twist in the film.

Comedy work very well and it mixed with the flow of movie and in any place it didnot affect the story and flow.

Simply fun filled family entertainment awaits if you decide to watch this movie.

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.

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.

Malayalam cinema's answer to Jumanji that's what Padakkalam is fr. Humour is one among those genres which often failes to satisfy me, rarely i gets to see film where i can laugh my ass off and this is one such film. Especially the intial half comedy portions, especially that Green lantern moment lol. Every single person did justce to thier role. It's always a vibe to see Suraj like this, beast mode activated in second half. Sharafudheen's best post Rorschach imo he was too good especially in his villain arc in the initia half. But the OG azhinjattam was of Sandeep Pradeep, guy got that aura as well as talent, absolutely nailed it in both halves of the film. Especially in that breakup scene and action sequence. He managed to make my heart wrench as well as rise my adrenaline rise. Padakkalam is something which has never been experimented in malayalam cinema or even Indian cinema. The DC fanboy in me was fully satisfied. A perfect fantasy entertainer that should be enjoyed in a theatre.

Watched the Tamil Dubbed Malayalam Movie 'Padakkalam'.

Recommended by my niece, I went in with absolutely no expectations. All she said was, "It's unique and enjoyable" - and that was spot on.

The movie is refreshingly original and thoroughly entertaining. I usually avoid reading about a film before watching, so I was open to surprises. For a moment, I thought it was heading into the horror genre, only to discover it's a supernatural comedy-thriller!

The depiction of friendship stood out. The narrative kept me engaged throughout with no dull moments. As the story unfolds with twists and turns, emotional scenes seamlessly transition into bursts of comedy. Just like Guilty Minds felt like an Indianized version of Suits, this movie reminds one of Jumanji in spirit, though the plot and story are entirely different.

It's a bold attempt, with a unique storyline, screenplay, and direction. The team has pulled it off successfully. The film dives straight into the plot, holds your attention, and never lets go. A well-made, distinctly different movie that's worth watching.

I initially watched this movie only because it was shot at my college, Amal Jyothi College of Engineering- Kanjirappally. I didn't expect much, but to my surprise, the movie was very good! It was filled with laughs from beginning to end, and the story brought a fresh theme to Mollywood. The actors in 'Padakkalam' delivered truly remarkable performances, especially those three guys-Ranjith Sir, Shaji Sir, and Jithin. Their portrayal of the characters was exceptional, particularly with the interesting concept of character swapping they pulled off so effectively. I think this unique theme is the absolute main highlight of the movie, as it introduces something genuinely fresh and new to Mollywood cinema. What's more, I felt that our college, Amal Jyothi College of Engineering, was an incredibly suitable and fitting location for this film. Overall The movie is VERY GOOD (in my pov)

Padakkalam is a movie that really surprises you. It starts off like a usual college story but quickly turns into something very different, mixing fun, mystery, and a bit of black magic. Story is fresh and doesn't feel like something you've seen before, which makes it interesting from the beginning to the end.

The best part of the movie is the group of students. Their chemistry feels real, and they bring a lot of fun and energy. Sharfudeen and Suraj stand out with their great acting, and the whole cast does a really good job. Everyone has a moment to shine, and that makes the film more enjoyable.

Comedy is well timed, and the twists keep you hooked. It's clear that the director and writer put in a lot of effort to keep the movie engaging and fast-paced.

Overall its a light-hearted, entertaining film that offers something different. It's a good weekend pick, especially if you want to watch something fun and unique with friends. It may not be a big-budget film, but it has a lot of heart and creativity.

The movie is kind of a fantasy game type kudos to the team and actors everyone has done their job perfectly!the plot is also good the way of character transformation was also top notch!haven't seen this kind of fantasy movies in Malayalam!really enjoyed it!!the songs were also goood!the second half was the best I say the story starts to engage more and more and was also a kind of dark comedy sort of thing!but I think it won't be the same cup of tea for family but for youngster and children they would truly love it for sure,as it's their first attempt by the making and story of the movie it is worth watch movie!!!

Padakkalam (2025) : Movie Review -

Malayalam cinema has once again proven its knack for innovation. Padakkalam blends an unusual concept with youthful humour, elements of black magic, and sprinkles of slapstick comedy-some forced, but mostly organic. The film kicks off with an intriguing narration rooted in ancient times, which quickly draws you in. Mysterious elements like parakayapravesham (body possession), an age-old mystical game, and the consequences it brings are introduced briskly before the story transitions into a modern-day setting filled with college students and professors.

The narrative follows four mischievous students and two professors. One of the professors, a master of black magic, can control anyone's body at will. His power sets off a chain of events that leads to the emotional and psychological unraveling of the second professor. As the students uncover the secret, they find themselves tormented by supernatural pranks and manipulations. At the core of the chaos lies a magical board game-something akin to Jumanji. A wrong move causes the a student's body to swap, triggering a race against time. To return to their original forms, they must finish the game. But what if one of them refuses to switch back and decides to embrace his new identity and life? That moral conundrum lies at the heart of Padakkalam's quirky, entertaining premise.

The humour is clever and relatable, though it never truly ascends to laugh-out-loud brilliance. Modern pop culture references-like Pushpa's "Flower and Fire" line, three versions of Joker, Witchcraft-Whick Craft, and nods to actors like Basil and Fahadh-reflect the film's attempt to stay current with its audience. While the comedy occasionally falls flat, the bizarre and fascinating storyline, packed with unpredictable twists, ensures the viewer stays entertained. One can't help but recall the clever trick Jack Sparrow pulled off in the climax of the first Pirates of the Caribbean film-Padakkalam attempts a similarly smart, if slightly less impactful, finale that leaves a lasting impression.

In terms of performances, Sharafudheen clearly had a blast portraying a quirky, volatile character who is both genius and mischievous. His energy elevates the film's eccentric tone. Suraj Venjaramoodu delivers a nuanced performance, managing to draw empathy even as his character crosses moral boundaries. Sandeep Pradeep starts off seemingly underconfident, but as the film progresses, it becomes evident that his reserved demeanour is an intentional character trait. Niranjana Anoop plays the quintessential girlfriend in a brief appearance, while Pooja Mohanraj holds her own with a decent act. The student gang-Safwan, Arun Ajikumar, and Arun Pradeep-are enthusiastic and pivotal to the story's progression, bringing depth and camaraderie to their roles.

The music in Padakkalam serves the narrative and complements the mood but lacks a chart-topping number that could have elevated its appeal. On the technical front, the background score and cinematography are solid, while the production design effectively supports the film's worldly premise. Clocking in at just over two hours, the film could have benefitted from tighter editing-perhaps trimming a song or two to enhance pacing. Director Manu Swaraj deserves applause for daring to explore a bold mix of mythology, fantasy, and youth comedy. His conviction in presenting a bizarre but oddly believable universe makes Padakkalam work, even when the concept stretches believability. While the film isn't perfect and could have used more consistent comedic highs, it remains a thoroughly entertaining ride. It's a definite watch for those looking to experience mythological themes tackled through a modern, humorous, and off-kilter lens.

RATING - 6/10*

Padakkalam Review

Okay first of all - Sandeep Pradheep as Renjith Sir was a total show-stealer!! The way he acted... those dialogues, that attitude, and his expressions - too good bro. Every scene he came in, I was literally waiting to see what madness he'd do next.

And obviously, Sharaf U Dheen and Suraj Venjaramoodu delivered as usual. Comedy on point, college vibes perfect, and that fantasy-supernatural twist made it even more fun. First 10 minutes felt a little random but after that, pure entertainment. The interval twist literally had me like ....And Jithin's gang was so good.

Honestly, didn't expect to enjoy it this much. Proper theatre watch material with friends gang!

Rating: 9.5/10.

The first half was a blast, fraught with entertaining moments that kept things lively. But once the second half kicked in, things started to get little bit messy.

Proceedings got muddled, priorities became unclear, and the overall flow just didn't come off as tight as I would have wanted them to.

Even though the ideas still had some entertainment value, I could not help but think about their full potential.

Given the intriguing buildup in the first hour and half, I did anticipate them to reach for something bigger.

However It seemed like their intentions and plans didn't quite land as strongly as they might have hoped for.

This film is actually so good i. Would say you can definitely watch it on weekend So entertaining no boring scenes a nice movie Some scenes made us laugh

Watch it with your friends so you get a vibe It's like Romancham

A gang of friends solving a game that is dangerous l. A different story actually

Watched with 0 expectations super wow gripping movie A fun entertainment no laggy scenes it deserved more Huge concept in low budget Laughter treat engaging story Every actor is given chance to perform and it turned out very well How friends unite to solve a mystery is the plot Watch it on ott soon.

The team truly succeeded in creating a fantastic movie that stood out in more ways than one. From the very beginning, it was clear that a lot of love, effort, and creativity had gone into making this film. What might have started as a small project turned out to be an engaging and entertaining cinematic experience that left a lasting impression on its audience.

One of the strongest aspects of the movie was the acting. It was nothing short of superb, and it played a major role in elevating the overall quality of the film. Among the talented cast, Suraj, Sharaf, and Sandeep were especially outstanding. They brought their characters to life with so much ease and authenticity that it was hard not to get emotionally invested in their journey. Suraj, in particular, delivered a performance that balanced both humor and emotion, creating a character that was both relatable and memorable. Sharaf's natural charm and timing made his scenes delightful to watch, while Sandeep added an emotional depth that grounded the film in moments where it could have easily slipped into pure comedy.

What made the film even more enjoyable was its fantasy mood, which was surprisingly engaging. Even though the plot was based on a relatively familiar and even somewhat old idea, the way it was presented felt fresh and entertaining. The filmmakers managed to take a concept that has been explored before and breathe new life into it. In a way, it felt like an old wine served in a new bottle-but this time with a twist of humor and charm that made it feel new. The addition of fantasy elements was subtle but effective, and it helped create a whimsical atmosphere that was both lighthearted and emotionally resonant.

Another key element worth mentioning was the chemistry between the characters, especially between the gang members and Suraj and Sharaf. Their interactions didn't feel forced or scripted-they had a natural flow that made the dynamics between the characters believable and fun to watch. Whether they were joking around, arguing, or having deep conversations, there was a sense of genuine connection that added emotional weight to the film. This chemistry helped anchor the narrative and gave audiences people to root for and relate to.

On the technical side, the movie was quite decent. While it may not have had a big budget or flashy special effects, the cinematography, editing, and sound design were all handled well enough to support the story. The visuals captured the beauty of the locations and complemented the tone of the movie effectively. The background score also played a helpful role in setting the mood without overwhelming the scenes. In fact, the relatively modest technical approach gave the film a grounded, organic feel that worked well with its theme and setting.

What truly made this film stand out, however, was how successfully it created high moments and character conflicts that resonated with the audience. The emotional highs were well-earned, and the conflicts between characters-whether subtle disagreements or intense confrontations-were portrayed with nuance and care. These moments added depth to the story and made it more than just a comedy or a fantasy tale. They touched on real emotions and struggles, which is probably why the film managed to connect with viewers on such a personal level.

In conclusion, this movie is a great example of how heart, strong performances, and sincere storytelling can come together to create something truly fantastic. While it may not have had the scale of a blockbuster, it had the soul of one. The team's efforts paid off brilliantly, making it a memorable film that will surely stay with audiences for a long time.

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The team truly succeeded in creating a fantastic movie, one that managed to impress and entertain despite having a seemingly simple premise. It's not every day that a film made on a modest scale is able to leave such a strong impact on its audience, but this movie certainly did. It combined charm, emotion, humor, and a sense of wonder in a way that made the entire experience enjoyable from beginning to end. What the team achieved here is nothing short of remarkable. They took an age-old idea and turned it into something fresh, fun, and deeply engaging.

One of the most striking strengths of the film lies in the performances. The acting was simply superb, and it's fair to say that the film's success depended heavily on the commitment and talent of its cast. Among them, Suraj, Sharaf, and Sandeep truly stood out. Each of them brought their characters to life in a way that felt authentic and effortless. Suraj delivered an incredibly nuanced performance, skillfully balancing humor and subtle emotion. His expressions, timing, and the way he navigated his character's lighter and more serious sides added a great deal of depth to the film.

Sharaf was equally delightful to watch. His natural screen presence and comic timing brought energy and spontaneity to every scene he appeared in. Whether he was playing the fool, delivering a clever line, or reacting to the madness around him, Sharaf made sure the audience stayed connected to his character. Sandeep, on the other hand, brought a calm intensity to the screen. His performance was a little more grounded compared to the others, and it served as a perfect contrast that helped balance the group dynamics. His character may not have had the loudest presence, but he was undeniably one of the emotional anchors of the story.

The chemistry among the characters, particularly the four boys and the two professors, played a huge role in making the film engaging. The gang of four boys formed the heart of the story, and their interactions with each other and with the professors-especially with Suraj and Sharaf-were both entertaining and meaningful. There was a sense of familiarity and natural flow in their conversations and behavior. It never felt like they were just reading lines from a script; instead, it felt like watching a real group of friends navigating life, pulling pranks, making mistakes, and sharing laughs.

The bond between the gang and the professors was portrayed beautifully. Suraj's character, in particular, formed a special connection with the boys, acting not only as a guide but also as someone who understood their dreams, insecurities, and mischief. The relationship wasn't forced or overly dramatic-it developed organically over the course of the story, which made it all the more satisfying to watch. Sharaf's interactions with the group added a different flavor, bringing in humor and light-heartedness that balanced the more emotional moments.

One of the elements that added a unique touch to the movie was its fantasy mood. This layer of imagination was subtle, but it brought a magical tone to an otherwise grounded and realistic story. The fantasy aspect was not overdone or exaggerated-it was just enough to lift the film into a more whimsical space, allowing the audience to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride. It added curiosity and wonder, making the film feel more playful and immersive. This element also worked well with the youthful energy of the gang, making their adventures feel like something out of a childhood dream, while still staying rooted in real emotions.

Even though the core idea of the story was not new-in fact, it's a theme we've seen many times before-the way it was presented felt refreshing. The film didn't try to pretend it was revolutionary. Instead, it embraced its familiar story and told it with sincerity, humor, and a strong sense of place. It was, in many ways, an old wine in a new bottle-but what a lovely bottle it was. The storytelling was clever, the pacing was tight, and the dialogue was rich in local flavor. The comedy was not loud or forced; rather, it emerged naturally from the characters and situations, making it far more effective and relatable.

On the technical front, the film did a commendable job. While it may not have boasted big-budget visuals or cutting-edge effects, it made the most of what it had. The cinematography was clean and thoughtful, capturing the vibrant landscape of Kerala in a way that added warmth and authenticity to the film. The lush greenery, quiet backwaters, crowded markets, and sun-drenched schoolyards all formed a vivid backdrop that enriched the narrative. The camera work wasn't flashy, but it served the story well, emphasizing expressions, movement, and mood in just the right way.

The editing kept the story flowing smoothly, and the transitions between scenes were handled with care. Nothing felt rushed or drawn out, and the film maintained a consistent rhythm throughout. The sound design and background music also played a big role in supporting the film's mood. The music was subtle but effective-it never overpowered the story, but gently guided the audience's emotions, lifting certain scenes or adding tension where needed. The score, filled with local instruments and melodies, felt deeply rooted in the culture, which gave the film an added sense of identity.

What truly made the film connect with its viewers was its ability to create high moments and compelling character conflicts. The film didn't rely on over-the-top drama or predictable emotional traps. Instead, it focused on smaller, more meaningful moments-the kind that mirror real life. The highs came in the form of well-earned triumphs, heartfelt confessions, laughter-filled scenes, and emotional resolutions that didn't feel manufactured. The character conflicts were not exaggerated but portrayed with subtlety and care, making them feel genuine and relatable.

In the end, it's this combination of heartfe.