The Malayalam film industry closes 2025 with a dark, unsettling thriller, Kalamkaval, starring Mammootty and Vinayakan. Moreover, the film reimagines real-life serial killer cases, including the infamous Cyanide Mohan, and presents a raw, chapter-driven exploration of a sociopath’s mind. However, the movie is directed by the debutant Jithin K. Jose. Still, it is one of the strongest offerings of the year for the UAE Malayalam audience. Now, let us try to decode the Kalamkaval Review.
A Thriller Crafted With Precision
Director Jithin K. Jose, known for writing Kurup, teams up with co-writer Jishnu Sreekumar to create a meticulously detailed narrative inspired by true crimes. Moreover, the film structure is divided into chapters like a well-worn crime novel, which adds an investigative element rarely seen in a serial killer film.
The story begins when Crime Branch officer Jayashankar (Vinayakan) investigates a village disturbance. However, he tries only to uncover a pattern linking multiple missing women. Later, he meets the terrifying truth behind Stanley Das (Mammootty) as he digs deeper. Das is a predator who has been silently haunting women for years.
A Serial Killer Reimagined
Kalamkaval does not sensationalise violence. Instead, the film uses minimal gore and focuses on the psychological coldness of each crime. Moreover, the calm and daily build-up before the 1st murder delivers a more chilling impact than explicit scenes could.
The killer’s identity is revealed early, similar to Zodiac. Still, the film is gripping because the drama is gripping because the drama of this film lies in who, how, and why. Moreover, the creators take creative liberty to present a “what if” version of the story of Cyanide Mohan. In addition, it crafts new twists, and an expected, powerful pre-interval reveal that elevates the film into a different league.
A Review Rooted in Craft & Performance
Mammootty’s Hypnotic Villainy
He delivers one of his finest negative roles in recent years. Moreover, his portrayal of a calm and calculating woman-killer is frighteningly real. In addition, one smile transforming into a sinister grin is enough to make viewers uneasy due to his smooth, subtle, spine-chilling.
The performance is so immersive that the audience might walk out of the theatre feeling the presence of Stanley Das lingering.
Vinayakan’s Grounded Brilliance
Vinayakan’s Jayashankar is the perfect antithesis, restrained, composed, and driven by duty. His realism makes the cat-and-mouse tension believable, especially in the climax.
Supporting Cast
Rajisha Vijayan, Shruti Ramachandran, Gayathri Arun, Dhanya Ananya and others appear briefly but leave strong impressions as victims whose stories deserved even more screen time.
Mood, Method & Menace
The score of Mujeeb Majeed sets an eerie pulse, as it blends retro melodies with unsettling underpinnings. However, it makes the film feel like a ghost story. Moreover, the cinematography of Faisal Ali transforms southern Kerala’s coastal and village landscapes into brooding, desolate hunting grounds, which is perfect for a predator hiding in plain sight.
The editing of Praveen Prabhakar ensures the narrative moves with purpose to deliver surprises even in the final moments.
Verdict: Kalamkaval Review
Kalamkaval is not a high-speed thriller. However, it is a chilling psychological dive into the mind of a serial killer. It trades commercial glamour for gripping realism, unforgettable performances, and atmospheric craft.
Kalamkaval stands tall as one of the most compelling Malayalam films of 2025 for the UAE audience who appreciate character-driven crime thrillers. So, if you are looking for a unique thriller movie, you should definitely watch Kalamkaval. Moreover, Mammootty fans will also enjoy the movie as it will allow them to see their favourite star in an ever-before-seen villain avatar.
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