Imagine a rainy night in a remote toddy shop in Thrissur, where a group of locals gather for drinks and cards. By dawn, the shop owner is found hanging, and the mystery begins. This is the premise of Praavinkoodu Shappu, a Malayalam-language black comedy thriller that blends suspense with dark humor.
Directed by debutant Sreeraj Sreenivasan and produced by Anwar Rasheed, the film features a stellar cast including Soubin Shahir, Basil Joseph, and Chemban Vinod Jose. With its unique setting and engaging narrative, Praavinkoodu Shappu offers a fresh take on the murder mystery genre.
Movie Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Praavinkoodu Shappu |
| Director | Sreeraj Sreenivasan |
| Writer | Sreeraj Sreenivasan |
| Genre | Thriller, Black Comedy |
| Cast | Soubin Shahir, Basil Joseph, Chemban Vinod Jose, Chandini Sreedharan, Shivajith, Shabareesh Varma |
| Release Date | 16 January 2025 (France) |
| Runtime | 149 minutes |
| IMDb Rating | 6.9/10 (1,351 votes) |
| Rotten Tomatoes | Not Available |
| Box Office | ₹5.36 crore gross worldwide; ₹1.35 crore net on opening day in India. |
Plot Overview
Set in a toddy shop in Thrissur, Praavinkoodu Shappu revolves around the mysterious death of the shop owner, Komban Babu. After a night of drinking and card games, Babu is found hanging in the shop. Sub-Inspector Santhosh (Basil Joseph) is tasked with unraveling the truth behind the incident. As he delves deeper, secrets emerge, and the line between truth and deception blurs. The film masterfully combines elements of suspense and dark humor, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
Performance and Direction
Performances:
- Basil Joseph delivers a compelling performance as SI Santhosh, portraying the character’s determination and vulnerability with finesse.
- Soubin Shahir as Kannan, the ex-magician turned waiter, adds depth to the narrative with his nuanced portrayal.
- Chemban Vinod Jose brings authenticity to his role as Suni, an ex-military officer, adding layers to the story.
Direction and Technical Aspects:
- Direction: Sreeraj Sreenivasan’s debut is commendable, with a clear vision and effective storytelling.
- Cinematography: Shyju Khalid captures the essence of the setting, enhancing the film’s atmospheric tension.
- Music: Vishnu Vijay’s score complements the narrative, elevating key moments.
- Editing: Shafique Mohamed Ali ensures a tight narrative, maintaining the film’s pace and suspense.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Engaging Narrative: The film’s blend of mystery and dark humor keeps the audience invested.
- Strong Performances: The cast delivers compelling performances, adding depth to the story.
- Atmospheric Setting: The unique backdrop of a toddy shop adds authenticity and intrigue.
Weaknesses:
- Pacing Issues: Some scenes may feel prolonged, affecting the overall tempo.
- Complex Narrative: The intertwining of multiple subplots might confuse some viewers.
Public Review
Praavinkoodu Shappu has received a mixed response from audiences. While many appreciate the film’s unique setting and performances, others feel the narrative could have been more cohesive. On social media, viewers have praised the film’s originality and humor, with comments like, “A refreshing take on the murder mystery genre,” and “Soubin Shahir’s performance is a standout.” However, some have noted that the film’s pacing could have been tighter.
Final Verdict
Praavinkoodu Shappu is a commendable debut by Sreeraj Sreenivasan, offering a fresh perspective on the thriller genre. With strong performances and a unique setting, the film is worth watching for those who appreciate dark comedies and regional narratives. While it has its flaws, the movie’s strengths make it a notable addition to Malayalam cinema.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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