Kalamkaval Review: Mammootty’s Killer Act Makes It a Gripping Thriller

RATING - ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 3/5*

Kalamkaval Review Movie Talkies:

Kalamkaval is inspired by the real-life case of Mohan Kumar, infamously known as Cyanide Mohan, a notorious serial killer. Having already watched two Hindi projects based on the same story—Dahaad and Bhagwat—there wasn’t much novelty left for me in terms of the core plot. And yet, Mammootty’s chilling performance combined with Jithin K. Jose’s tight and gripping storytelling turns Kalamkaval into a compelling thriller that holds your attention throughout. For Mamukka fans, this film comes as a pleasant surprise. Audiences have seen him explore almost every shade of acting over the decades, and this is yet another powerful performance that adds a shining feather to his illustrious career.

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Kalamkaval Story:

The story follows Stanley (Mammootty), who murders a woman after engaging in sexual activity with her. The film wastes no time in establishing that this is not an isolated incident—Stanley has preyed on several women. There is no attempt to justify or soften his actions. Enter Jaykishan (Vinayakan), a sharp and determined Special Crime Branch officer tasked with cracking this disturbing serial killer case. Interestingly, Stanley is shown assisting Jaykishan in the investigation—an intriguing twist that may remind viewers of the Aamir Khan–Abhishek Bachchan dynamic in Dhoom 3. Jay remains unable to catch the killer, unaware that the criminal is right beside him, manipulating the situation with chilling calm. The suspense lies in whether Jay will uncover the truth before it’s too late.

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Kalamkaval Movie Details:

While Bhagwat focused heavily on courtroom proceedings, Kalamkaval sticks firmly to the investigation. The familiar Dhoom 3-style twist is used effectively here, setting it apart from Dahaad and Bhagwat. The screenplay remains engaging despite a runtime of nearly two and a half hours—a commendable feat in today’s era, where anything beyond two hours often feels stretched. The narrative keeps things simple, avoiding complex theories or shocking revelations. Everything unfolds right in front of the audience. Even the climax, though somewhat predictable, doesn’t dilute the impact. Despite its dated source material, the film never loses its grip. It’s fast-paced, busy, and consistently engaging, giving viewers little chance to disengage.

Kalamkaval Cast:

Mammootty’s performance is undoubtedly the film’s biggest highlight. He is menacing, cold, and utterly terrifying. You hate him, you curse him—and that’s precisely how he succeeds as an actor. Vinayakan complements him brilliantly, delivering a superb performance, especially in the climax where his expressions speak volumes. Gibin Gopinath leaves a strong impression, while the female cast—including Gayatri Arun, Rajisha Vijayan, Shruti Ramachandran, Malavika Menon, and others—appear convincing and sincere in their roles. Azees Nedumangad and Kunchan play their parts convincingly, and the rest of the supporting cast does justice to the narrative.

Kalamkaval Movie Review:

Cinematographer Faisal Ali brings a distinct visual sensibility to the film. Several slow-motion shots focusing on eye contact, meetings, and conversations are crafted with precision and tension. Such moments could have felt sluggish, but here they add to the suspense. Praveen Prabhakar’s editing ensures the film remains taut, while the background score elevates key scenes effectively. The locations and production design add a strong sense of realism to the story. Jithin K. Jose’s direction deserves appreciation—this may not be a story that hasn’t been told before, but it is told with confidence and control. For Mollywood audiences, Kalamkaval offers a fresh and chilling cinematic experience. Even for Hindi audiences familiar with similar narratives, it works as a solid one-time watch. Mammootty’s towering performance ultimately elevates the film, making it almost a must-watch for fans of the genre.

The film is now streaming on Sony LIV.

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