Koodal Movie Review
Koodal: A Scenic Thriller That Misses the Mark
Despite its promising premise and atmospheric setting, Koodal fails to deliver a gripping thriller, weighed down by flat performances and lackluster storytelling.The opening suicide scene in Koodal sets the stage for a compelling mystery, creating the right ambience for a thriller. However, beyond this initial spark, the film offers a simplistic, linear narrative that lacks the complexity typically expected in the genre. Directors Shaanu Kakkoor and Shafi Eppikkad opt for a straightforward approach that feels more like a low-key drama than a suspenseful mystery.
Set in the misty hills of Attappadi, the film visually captures the isolation and moodiness of its setting-a camping station nestled near a dense forest. The plot follows three young women entangled in the mysterious death of their mutual friend. Unfortunately, what could have been a tense and layered narrative is diluted by uninspired performances and uninvolving execution.
Shafi Eppikkad's screenplay comes across as shallow, failing to explore the emotional or psychological depth of its characters. Bibin George plays Boby, the protagonist and camp manager, who initially fits well into the role. However, his character's transformation in the film's climax feels overly dramatic and unconvincing.
The story unfolds between Coimbatore and Attappadi, introducing four friends-Hima (Mareena Michael), Anju (Riya Isha), Nimisha (Anu Sonora), and Laila (Niya Verghese). After Hima's suspicious death, her friends are interrogated by the police while living in a paying guest facility run by Achayan (Vineeth Thattil) and his wife. Anju is eventually arrested in connection with the case.
A year later, the story shifts to the campsite, where Laila and Nimisha arrive, only to be disturbed by Anju's unexpected presence. Haunted by suspicions about Anju's involvement in Hima's death, the two confide in Boby, who promises to protect them. But a jeep ride through the forest marks a turning point, altering the lives of all three girls. Despite the potential for high-stakes drama, the film's overly theatrical performances and weak direction make these moments fall flat.
As the mystery unfolds, the narrative fails to build genuine suspense. Instead, the film drags towards its revelation, making the eventual twist feel dull and predictable. The core flashback sequence set in the paying guest facility lacks the necessary tension and intrigue to elevate the story. By the time the truth is revealed, any curiosity about the killer has long faded.
The pre-climax teases some action, but the execution is unimaginative and the resolution is far too easy to guess. Though the film is centered around the mystery of Hima's death, much of its focus shifts to the scenic locales and unnecessary musical interludes, which ultimately distract from the main plot.
Koodal is a crime drama that could have been a taut thriller but instead leans heavily on melodrama and missed opportunities. The story struggles to maintain engagement and fails to make the most of its promising premise.
