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.”

“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.”

“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.”

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

“Ultimately, 'Kalamkaval' is a film elevated by its lead actors and its atmospheric world, even if the storytelling occasionally falters. It remains a watch for Mammootty’s enigmatic presence and the unsettling psychological duel at its core.”

“Amid all the shortcomings, it's Mammootty's courage to take on such a devilish character and his sharp performance that keep viewers engaged with the crime thriller. Despite a strong story, Kalamkaval disappoints by failing to keep viewers glued to the screen, suffering from being too dialogue-oriented throughout.”

“Vinayakan is surely the film’s driving force, but Mammootty also shows us a side to him that we haven’t yet witnessed before”

“Mammootty's turn is quietly devastating. He embodies the film's darkness not as a cartoonish boogeyman, but as a chilling, plausible presence. As a cinematic experience, it delivers a dark, measured, and unnerving output that could prove one of the more haunting thrillers in Malayalam cinema this year.”

“Kalamkaval could have become just another slow-burn serial killer despite some of its original takes, but Mammootty and Vinayakan elevate it to the next level through the force of their performances.”