Kalamkaval

Mammootty's incredible chameleonic abilities are once again put to great use in a thriller that takes many interesting detours along the way.

Kalamkaval is a thoughtful and carefully-crafted thriller that prioritises mood over momentum. Viewers who enjoy slow building tension will find much to appreciate. Those looking for tighter plotting and a more decisive payoff may feel slightly unsatisfied.

All in all, it is Mammootty's highly 'devilish' act against Vinayakan's underplayed cop role that makes this movie a compelling watch.

Kalamkaval may not offer anything fresh from a story perspective, but it is still a must-watch, solely for Mammootty, and to witness how a 74-year-old superstar continues to break stereotypes in conventional commercial cinema. Despite having a strong plot, the film offers nothing new from a storytelling perspective, with a slow narrative and predictable cat-and-mouse chase that becomes routine.

Kalamkaval, like any good work of art, suggests more than it shows. The film espouses the thin line between civility and barbarism with little to no show of violence, with Mammootty delivering a subtle, creepy performance as a cold-blooded killer that underscores how evil is almost second nature to the man.

With exceptional performances and some delicious twists along the way, the film could have benefited from a crisper screenplay.