Pravin Koodu Shappu Malayalam Movie Review

Pravin Koodu Shappu Malayalam Movie Review

Feature Film | 2025 | UA | Drama, Thriller | 2h 28min
Critics:

Pravin Koodu Shappu: A Promising Mystery Undone by a Faltering Climax

Sreeraj Sreenivasan's debut film immerses viewers in a suspense-filled tale of tragedy and intrigue, elevated by compelling performances and technical finesse, but falters with an uneven climax.
Jan 17, 2025 By K. R. Rejeesh

Sreeraj Sreenivasan's debut film 'Pravinkoodu Shappu' opens with a striking juxtaposition of tragedy and joy, set against a melodious backdrop. The story unfolds in a rustic toddy shop in Thrissur, where the mysterious death of its owner becomes the catalyst for a gripping investigation. The toddy shop's vibrant yet shadowy setting serves as an integral part of the narrative, with each character's involvement deepening the suspense. The film cleverly portrays the quirks of the shop's regulars while steadily building tension, one of its strongest aspects.


The discovery of 'Komban' Babu (Shivajith) hanging in the toddy shop sends shockwaves through the tight-knit group of patrons. Among them are Kannan (Soubin Shahir), the shop's supplier, ex-soldier Suni (Chemban Vinod), and Celon Mammen (Niyaz Backer). As they inform the police, the story introduces Sub Inspector Santhosh (Basil Joseph), a young officer grappling with a traumatic past tied to his mother's suicide. This adds an emotional layer to the narrative.


Sreeraj excels in crafting a compelling atmosphere early on, with Shivajith delivering a chilling portrayal of the ruthless Babu, creating moments of genuine menace. The police interrogation scenes, particularly Basil Joseph's nuanced depiction of a rookie officer burdened by expectations, offer intriguing moments. Basil's performance stands out, bringing depth and vulnerability to Santhosh, a character driven by unshakable premonitions.


The film's standout performance comes from Soubin Shahir, who seamlessly transforms into Kannan, a man trapped by fear and servitude to Babu. Soubin's portrayal of Kannan's inner turmoil is both subtle and powerful, making him the emotional core of the film. His personal conflict escalates with the revelation of his wife Merinda's (Chandini Sreedharan) affair with Babu. Chandini's striking performance as Merinda adds to the tension, her transformation lending weight to the narrative.


Despite its promising setup and strong performances, the film loses steam towards the end. As the climax nears, the storytelling stumbles with misplaced attempts at dark comedy and scenes, like the cop's bike ride, that fail to sustain the tension.


Visually, Shyju Khalid's cinematography is a highlight, enhancing the suspense with its dark, moody framing. Vishnu Vijay's background score amplifies the mystery, particularly during a thrilling chase where Kannan is pursued by a school van. However, even these technical achievements cannot fully compensate for the missteps in the film's final act.


Ultimately, Pravinkoodu Shappu promises much but struggles to deliver a satisfying conclusion. While the gripping performances and technical brilliance make it worth a watch, the faltering climax and inconsistent tone prevent the film from achieving its full potential.

K. R. Rejeesh

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