Movie: Kalamhaval
Rating: 3.25/5
Rating: 3.25/5
Cast: Mammootty, Vinayakan, Rajisha Vijayan, Jibin Gopinath, Shruti Ramachandran, Dhanya Ananya, Gayatri Arun, and others
Director: Jithin K. Jose
Produced By: Mammootty Kampany
Release Date: 05-12-2025
Officer Jayakrishnan from the Special Branch is assigned to control a communal riot triggered by the sudden disappearance of an unmarried woman. What begins as a routine investigation quickly grows into something far more disturbing when a series of missing women leads to the shocking discovery of a psycho serial killer. At the center of the story lies a crucial question: Can the police uncover the truth before more lives are lost?
Performances:
Mammootty stands as the film’s biggest strength. His calm yet commanding performance creates an unsettling sense of fear that lingers throughout. Vinayakan, playing a police officer, delivers an impressive and powerful act with his intense on-screen presence. Rajisha Vijayan, Jibin Gopinath, Shruti Ramachandran, Dhanya Ananya, and Gayatri Arun all suit their roles well and contribute effectively to the film.
Analysis:
Jithin K. Jose, who earlier wrote the story for Dulquer Salmaan’s Kurup, makes his directorial debut with Kalamkaval. The film opens on a gripping note, introducing the protagonist as a serial killer who targets women, mostly divorcees, widows, and unmarried women, and kills them.
Despite committing multiple murders over time, the killer moves freely, always searching for his next victim, as the authorities cannot recognize that a single person may be behind all these crimes. Once a sharp and determined police officer takes charge of the investigation, the killer’s calculated plan falls apart. The first half, which covers these developments, stays consistently engaging and leads to an excellent and surprising twist.
The killer’s horrifying actions become even more unsettling because of the unexpected use of vintage 1980s Tamil songs, combined with his habit of chewing cigarettes, giving the film a distinct and eerie atmosphere.
However, the film’s momentum dips in the second half. The tension does not hold the same impact, and the confrontation between the police and the killer could have been more gripping. Some scenes fall into a repetitive pattern, and the killer occasionally behaves in ways that feel irrational or unnecessarily careless.
KalamKaval Review and Verdict:
Even with these shortcomings, Kalamkaval remains an interesting watch because of its powerful performances and absorbing storyline. The film stands out for Mammootty’s captivating role and its intense psychological undertone, making it an engaging thriller despite a few narrative flaws.
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