Malayalam cinema brings a fresh take on black magic, Parkayapravesham and comedy

RATING – ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5*

Padakkalam Review Movie Talkies:

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 parkayapravesham (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.

Padakkalam Story:

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.

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Padakkalam Cast:

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.

Padakkalam Movie Review:

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.

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