Vadakkan Movie Review
Vadakkan: A Paranormal Mystery Rooted in Tradition
Vadakkan blends eerie supernatural elements with a cultural mystery, following a paranormal researcher whose past and academic knowledge collide with an ancient legend in a hauntingly atmospheric setting.In Vadakkan, eerie occurrences unfold in a decaying house on an isolated island, setting the stage for a paranormal mystery. Despite its unsettling atmosphere and unconventional storytelling, the film carries an undercurrent of optimism-one that fully reveals itself only to the discerning viewer. The film culminates in a surrealistic climax, following a carefully constructed buildup of murders and a subsequent investigation led by a paranormal researcher.
Raman Perumalayan, played by Kishore, is deeply engrossed in the study of supernatural phenomena. The film's complexity arises from the collision of his academic research in the West with the folklore of his homeland, trapping him in a reality he struggles to comprehend.
Marking the directorial debut of Sajeed A, Vadakkan presents a unique take on paranormal activity. Scripted by Unni R, the film draws viewers into an intriguing narrative before settling for a somewhat underwhelming climax, leaving certain questions unanswered. The story follows Perumalayan, who returns from abroad with his research assistant Anna Joseph (Merin Philip) after being called upon by his former lover Megha Nambiar (Shruthy Menon). Megha's husband was murdered under mysterious circumstances while filming a reality show, prompting her to seek Perumalayan's expertise. The reality show, featuring six contestants-including P Narayanan (Kalesh Ramanand), Meera (Meenakshi Unnikrishnan), Alina (Garggi Ananthan), and Bijoy (Sirajudheen Nazar)-was set in a supposedly haunted house deep within a forest. However, the crew and some contestants were gruesomely killed, seemingly by supernatural forces.
As part of his investigation, Perumalayan examines the reality show's video footage before journeying to the haunted house with Anna and Megha. Their stay in the house only intensifies the mysteries surrounding the paranormal events. As the tension escalates, Vadakkan unravels its connection to the mythological art form Theyyam from North Malabar. The film excels in setting up an enthralling premise in its first half before delving into the complexities of intertwining the present with its historical underpinnings.
During their journey, Megha reflects on her past with Perumalayan, recalling his timid nature and their failed relationship, which was marred by caste-based discrimination. The screenplay effectively explores Perumalayan's internal struggle-his deep-rooted cultural ties conflicting with his scientific pursuits abroad. The surrealistic final sequence metaphorically represents the dormant child within him, bringing his character arc to an evocative conclusion. Kishore delivers a masterful performance, capturing the character's transformation with finesse. His composed body language and nuanced expressions lend depth to Perumalayan's emotional turmoil.
Shruthy Menon, particularly in the latter half, delivers a striking performance, maintaining the film's grip on the audience. Despite some gaps in the script's coherence, Vadakkan stands out for its technical brilliance. Keiko Nakahara's stunning cinematography, Resul Pookutty's exceptional sound design, and Bijibal's eerie yet compelling background score collectively elevate the film's haunting atmosphere.
While the film leaves some threads unresolved, its chilling ambiance and cultural depth make Vadakkan a gripping watch for those who appreciate layered supernatural narratives.
