Kalamkaval

Last updated

Kalamkaval
Kalamkaval.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJithin K. Jose
Written byJithin K. Jose
Jishnu Sreekumar
Starring Mammootty
Vinayakan
CinematographyFaisal Ali
Edited byPraveen Prabhakar
Music by Mujeeb Majeed
Production
company
Mammootty Kampany
Distributed byWayfarer Films
Release date
  • 5 December 2025 (2025-12-05)
Running time
144 minutes [1]
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam
Box officeest.₹80 crore [2]

Kalamkaval: The Venom Beneath is a 2025 Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film directed by debutant Jithin K. Jose, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Jishnu Sreekumar. The film is produced by Mammootty Kampany and stars Mammootty and Vinayakan along with Gibin Gopinath, Gayatri Arun, Rajisha Vijayan and Shruti Ramachandran in supporting roles. The film's soundtrack album was composed by Mujeeb Majeed.

Contents

Kalamkaval was released in theatres on 5 December 2025 and received positive reviews from critics and audience, who praised the performances, particularly of Vinayakan and Mammootty, narration, direction, cinematography, music and writing. The film emerged as the fifth highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2025 and one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.

Plot

The film opens in early-2000s Kerala, where Sub-Inspector Jayakrishnan investigates what initially appears to be a routine case of local unrest following the elopement of a young woman. As the inquiry deepens, Jayakrishnan begins noticing inconsistencies that suggest the incident is only a surface-level distraction. His team uncovers a long-running pattern of missing women across rural areas—divorced, widowed, or unmarried—each last seen with the same unidentified man. Further analysis reveals a disturbing alternation pattern: whenever a murder occurs in Kerala, the next takes place in rural Tamil Nadu.

The investigation reveals that each victim’s phone is used to lure the next, forming a continuous chain. To strengthen the probe near the inter-state region, the team brings in a Malayali police officer posted at the closest jurisdiction near the Trivandrum–Tamil Nadu border—Stanley Das. Despite trying multiple tactics to trap the killer, the team repeatedly fails, with every lead ending in a dead end. Suspicion briefly falls on a fellow constable, Mani, when a victim’s phone is discovered hidden in his bedroom, leading the team to believe they may finally have the culprit. A bus driver later recalls repeatedly seeing a man traveling with one of the missing women, prompting the use of a sketch artist. Expecting Mani’s face to emerge from the sketch, the team is instead left stunned when the drawing unmistakably resembles Stanley. The case takes a decisive turn when Vidya, a survivor who escaped the killer, confirms Stanley as the man behind the murders. Unaware that he has been exposed, Stanley continues to pose as an investigator alongside Jayakrishnan.

Stanley attempts to kill his next victim, Shiny, by taking her to a lodge at night. Suspecting scrutiny from the cashier, he steps out under the pretext of smoking and unexpectedly encounters Jayakrishnan at the main counter. Jayakrishnan hands him a paper supposedly containing the suspect’s sketch. As Stanley climbs the stairs toward his room, he unwraps the paper midway and realizes it depicts his own face. Instantly aware that he has been exposed, he pulls out the cyanide-filled insulin syringe he already had on him and turns back. A violent struggle follows, ending with Jayakrishnan overpowering Stanley with the cashier’s help and placing his presumably dead body into the trunk of his car. The film closes with the car driving away, only for the trunk to begin opening from the inside, indicating that Stanley might still be alive.

Cast

Production

Development

Reports for Mammootty's upcoming film came on 25 May 2024 soon after the release of his film Turbo . It will be directed by Jithin K. Jose in his directorial debut, who previously worked as a writer in the film Kurup . Other details on crew that included were cinematographer Jomon T. John and music director Sushin Shyam. [3] In September 2024, Vinayakan was reported to play a prominent role in the film that brings together Mammootty and the former after a while, and was last acted together in Daivathinte Swantham Cleetus (2013). Their past works were in Big B (2007) and Best Actor (2010). As per reports, Vinayakan's role was originally meant for Prithviraj Sukumaran. Roby Varghese Raj's inclusion was also reported in 2024. [4] Filming commenced on 25 September 2025, under the working title Production No. VII that marks the seventh production venture of Mammootty Kampany. The screenplay is co-written by Jishnu Sreekumar and Jithin K. Jose himself. The yet to be titled film's technical team after changes included cinematographer Faisal Ali and editor Praveen Prabhakar. Wayfarer Films will distribute the film in Kerala. [5]

The official title Kalamkaval was announced by makers on 15 February 2025, that has a tagline "the venom beneath." [6] [7] The film would also have music composer Mujeeb Majeed while the action sequences are choreographed by stunt director Action Santhosh. [8] Last year in an interview with John Brittas, Mammootty said that the film would be another attempt at experimenting with roles he had not done before. [9]

Director Jithin K Jose revealed that actor Prithviraj Sukumaran was initially considered for the role that Vinayakan has played. When Jithin narrated the script to Prithviraj, he suggested that in either of the roles, Mammootty could fit in. However, due to Prithviraj's busy schedule with L2 : Empuraan and other films during that time, Jithin looked for other options. It was then later Mammootty who recommended to give the role to Vinayakan. [10]

Filming and casting

Filming started with a muhurth puja ceremony on 25 September 2024 in Nagercoil. [11] Mammoooty joined the set on 2 October 2024. [12]   The film completed its shoot in 9 November 2024. [13] It was extensively across locations in Tamil Nadu. [14]

The film will have a huge female cast and would introduce mostly newcomers. Rajisha Vijayan is one of the leading lady in her first association with Mammootty. Gayathri Arun is another female lead in her second collaboration with Mammootty after One . [15] Shruti Ramachandran would also play a major role. Megha Thomas, Malavika Menon, Abhi Suhana, Nisa, Triveda, Smitha, Sindhu Varma, Anupama, Vaishnavi Sai Kumar, Mohanapriya, Sidhi Fathima, Kabani, Seema, Riya, Amrutha, Mullai Arasi, Catherine Maria, Binsi and Dhanya Ananya formed the rest of the large female cast. [16] [17]

Music

Mujeeb Majeed composed the music for the film. [18] Mammootty's grandson, Adyan Sayeed, sung the song "Redback" for the film in his second playback after Rorschach . [17]

Kalamkaval
Soundtrack album by
Mujeeb Majeed
ReleasedNovember 2025
Genre Filmi
Length1:52

Tracklisting

No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Nilaa Kaayum"Vinayak SasikumarSindhu Delson1:52
Total length:1:52

Marketing

The first look of the film was released on 16 February 2025. [19] [20] The second look was released on 20 April 2025. [21] [22] The official teaser was released on 28 August 2025. [23] A pre-release teaser was released on 1 December 2025. [24]

Release

Theatrical

The film received a UA 16+ certification from CBFC. [25] The film was likely to release in theatres on 9 October 2025, [26] and then scheduled for a different date and was originally going to be on 27 November 2025. [27] However, it was then postponed to 5 December 2025. [28]

Box office

The film grossed over $3 million (₹26.87 crores in 2025) from GCC countries. A$150 thousand (₹88.77 lakhs in 2025) from Australia. The film sold over 1 million tickets on BookMyShow. The film grossed ₹75 crores in its 3rd week. [29]

Home media

The post theatrical digital rights of the film is acquired by SonyLIV. [30]

Reception

Critical reception

Kalamkaval received positive reviews from critics.

S. R. Praveen of The Hindu wrote, "Apart from fine performances from Mammootty and Vinayakan, mind games and character dynamics propel Jithin K Jose’s slow-burn thriller". [31] Janani K. of India Today rated 3/5 and wrote, "Kalamkaval offers enough twists, strong performances, and atmospheric filmmaking to warrant a watch, even if the runtime tests patience occasionally." [32] Anjana George of The Times of India rated 3/5 and wrote, "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. [33] Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express rated 2./5 and wrote, "Mammootty once again shows he's the biggest threat to stardom; but the crime thriller fails him". [34]

Latha Srinivasan of NDTV rated 3.5/5 and wrote, "Technically, the film is sound with masterly editing, invigorating background and songs, and cinematography. There are numerous artistes who come in various roles but these are not fully explored. All in all, it is Mammootty's highly 'devilish' act against Vinayakan's underplayed cop role that makes this a compelling watch. [35] Princy Alexander of Onmanorama wrote, " Kalamkaval may not reconstruct the full complexity of a true-crime tale. But as a cinematic experience, it delivers a dark, measured, and unnerving output." [36] Sajin Shrijith of The Week rated 4.5/5 and wrote, "An unforgettable Mammootty and a sturdy Vinayakan in a haunting, surprise-laden thriller". [37]

Gautham S. of Pinkvilla rated 3.5/5 and highlighted Mammootty's portrayal but found the narrative predictable. [38] Rohit Panikker of Filmfare rated 3.5/5 and described it as a slow-burning crime mystery with emphasis on mood and silence. [39] Vishal Menon of The Hollywood Reporter India stated that Mammootty appeared "like never before" in a genre-driven thriller, praising the film's atmosphere and its screenwriting. [40]

Jay in Medium noted that Kalamkaval succeeds by allowing Mammootty to lead viewers beyond his star aura and make them hate his character to the core, a feat the critic described as rare even for major actors. The review also praised Jithin K Jose for reshaping the Cyanide Mohan template without glorifying the killer, and highlighted Vinayakan's composed, methodical performance as a strong counterforce. Despite criticism of an "avoidable" tail-end scene, the film was acclaimed for its tense mood, technical finesse, and the sharply written duel between the two leads. [41]

References

  1. ↑ "Kalamkaval". Central Board of Film Certification. Retrieved 3 December 2025.
  2. ↑ "ഒന്നും രണ്ടുമല്ല, കഴിഞ്ഞത് 9 മാസം; കളങ്കാവൽ വരെ ഒടിടിയിൽ വരാൻ പോകുന്നു, ആ മമ്മൂട്ടി പടം ഇനി എന്ന്?" . Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  3. ↑ "Mammootty's Next Movie With Kurup Director To Begin On May 25". timesnownews.com. 9 May 2024. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  4. ↑ "Mammootty to play villain against Vinayakan". onmanorama.com. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  5. ↑ "Mammootty and Vinayakan team up; new film announcement sparks excitement". onmanorama.com. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  6. ↑ "'കളങ്കാവൽ' മമ്മൂട്ടി കമ്പനിയുടെ ഏഴാമത്തെ ചിത്രത്തിന്റ് ഫസ്റ്റ് ലുക്ക് എത്തി". kairalinewsonline.com. 15 February 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  7. ↑ "Kalamkaval: Mammootty to unleash himself in another 'never-seen-before' avatar soon". The Indian Express. 16 February 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  8. ↑ "First look of Kalamkaval out, promises a 'NEVER SEEN BEFORE ..." mathrubhumi.com. 15 February 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  9. ↑ "What kind of character is Mammootty playing in 'Kalamkaval'?". The Week . Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  10. ↑ "Prithviraj suggested Mammootty for 'Kalamkaval', says director Jithin K Jose". @mathrubhumi. 13 November 2025.
  11. ↑ "Mammootty and Vinayakan starrer goes on floors in Nagercoil". The Times of India. 25 September 2024. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  12. ↑ "Mammootty joins the sets of his new film with Vinayakan". Cinema Express. 2 October 2024. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  13. ↑ "Shoot of Mammootty and Vinayakan's film wrapped up". The Hindu. 9 November 2024. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  14. ↑ "'Kalamkaval' release pushed; Mammootty–Vinayakan film awaits new date". onmanorama.com. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  15. ↑ "21 heroines in Mammootty's upcoming film; 'Kurup' writer's directorial debut". keralakaumudi.com. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  16. ↑ "22 അല്ല 25 പേരാണ്! അഭിയും ത്രിവേദയും മുതൽ സായികുമാറിന്റെ മകൾ വരെ; ഗായത്രിയ്ക്കും ഇത് കരിയർ ചേഞ്ച് കഥാപാത്രമാവും". Samayam Malayalam (in Malayalam). Retrieved 9 December 2025.
  17. 1 2 "'Kalamkaval' surprise reveal: Mammootty's grandson Adyan sings for the film | VIDEO". @mathrubhumi. 3 December 2025. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
  18. ↑ "Kalamkaval: First Look Poster Of Mammootty's Film Out Now". ndtv.com. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  19. ↑ "വിനായകന് വില്ലൻ മമ്മൂക്കയോ?; ഞെട്ടിക്കാന്‍ 'കളങ്കാവൽ'". manoramanews.com. 15 February 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  20. ↑ "'Kalamkaval' first look out: Mammootty and Vinayakan set for an intense face-off". onmanorama.com. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  21. ↑ "Mammootty teases grey role in 'Kalamkaval' second look reveal". mathrubhumi.com. 20 April 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  22. ↑ "Second look poster of Mammootty-Vinayakan starrer Kalamkaval unveiled". Cinema Express . 20 April 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  23. ↑ "'Kalamkaval' teaser: Mammootty and Vinayakan lock horns; intense thriller promises fiery showdown". The Times of India. 28 August 2025. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 28 August 2025.
  24. ↑ "Kalamkaval teaser: Mammootty hints at his darkest role yet, says 'Killing a human gives greatest pleasure'". The Indian Express. 1 December 2025. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
  25. ↑ "Kalamkaval clears censor: Mammootty and Vinayakan's thriller nears release". The Times of India . 23 October 2025. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  26. ↑ "'Kalamkaval' release: Mammootty's film to hit the big screens on October – Reports". The Times of India. 6 August 2025. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 9 December 2025.
  27. ↑ "Kalamkaval Second Look Tomorrow". asianetnews.com. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  28. ↑ "Kalamkaval: Is Mammootty and Vinayakan's crime thriller being postponed from November release?". pinkvilla.com. 20 November 2025. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  29. ↑ "Mammootty's international dominance: Kalamkaval becomes actor's No. 1 overseas hit post-COVID". english.mathrubhumi.com. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  30. ↑ "Kalamkaval OTT Release: Where To Watch Mammootty's Crime Thriller After Its Theatrical Run". timesnownews.com. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
  31. ↑ Praveen, S. R. "Kalamkaval movie review: Mammotty-Vinayakan slow burn thriller". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  32. ↑ "Mammootty Kalamkaval review: Mammootty transforms into monster, Vinayakan anchors thriller". India Today. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  33. ↑ "Kalamkaval Movie Review: A slow-burn investigative thriller with compelling performances". The Times of India. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  34. ↑ "Kalamkaval review: Mammootty once again shows he's the biggest threat to stardom; but the crime thriller fails him". The Indian Express. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  35. ↑ "Kalamkaval Review: Mammootty and Vinayakan's performances make this thriller a compelling watch". NDTV. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  36. ↑ "Kalamkaval review: Mammootty's slow-burner brilliance again". Onmanorama. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  37. ↑ "Kalamkaval review: An unforgettable Mammootty and a sturdy Vinayakan in a haunting surprise-laden thriller". The Week. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  38. ↑ "Kalamkaval review: Mammootty dominates as a chilling villain in a rather predictable crime thriller". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  39. ↑ "Kalamkaval review: Mammootty steps into the shadows in a slow-burning crime mystery". Filmfare. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  40. ↑ "Kalamkaval Movie Review: Mammootty like never before in this genre-defining thriller". Hollywood Reporter India. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  41. ↑ "'Kalamkaval' is a duel between Mammootty and Vinayakan, the actors | Movie review". 5 December 2025.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.