Padakkalam Movie Review: A Whimsical Campus Carnival with a Supernatural Twist
Manu Swaraj's Padakkalam explodes onto the screen like a firecracker lit on a quiet campus. Unexpected, chaotic, and full of color. A delightful supernatural comedy-drama with a nostalgic comic-book feel, the film combines the absurd with the heartwarming, giving us a campus tale that's as much about friendship and fantasy as it is about standing up to manipulation.
Set in the ECE department of a college, Padakkalam introduces us to four front-bencher misfits, smart, comic book-obsessed, and wildly entertaining. They stumble upon a strange truth: their seemingly charismatic professor Ranjith (Sharafudheen, pitch-perfect in his eerie charm) is up to something supernaturally fishy. When their newly appointed HOD, Shaji (Suraj Venjaramoodu, in top comic form), becomes a target, the gang's harmless snooping turns into a battle of brains and bizarre powers.
What sets Padakkalam apart is its audacious blend of genres. Think Family Pack meets Goosebumps, with a dash of Premam-style campus nostalgia. Manu Swaraj smartly uses the supernatural not just as a gimmick, but as a metaphor for control and rebellion in academic spaces. And all this is packaged in laugh-out-loud moments, crackling tension, and quirky visual storytelling.
Rajesh Murukeshan's music weaves seamlessly between whimsy and wonder, while Anu Moothedath's camera captures the madness with energy and flair. Nidhin Raj Arol's editing keeps things zippy, and the immersive soundscape crafted by Ranganath Ravi adds an extra dimension, especially in scenes where the paranormal sneaks in quietly before exploding into full-blown mayhem.
The ensemble cast shines across the board. Sharafudheen is magnetic in his mystery, Suraj delivers another comedic gem, and the fresh-faced foursome, Sandeep Pradeep, Saaf Boi, Arun, and Ishan, bring earnestness and comic timing that make the fantasy work.
Padakkalam is a riotous blend of comic chaos and supernatural spice, wrapped in sharp sound design and vibrant visuals. A must-watch for lovers of nerdy heroes, ghostly twists, and campus capers.
Why to watch the movie:
Padakkalam offers a refreshing mix of supernatural thrills and laugh-out-loud comedy set in a vibrant campus backdrop. The film's unique plot, where four nerdy students uncover their professor's dark secrets, keeps you hooked with twists and charm. Stellar performances by Sharafudheen, Suraj, and the young cast, along with striking visuals and immersive sound design, elevate the experience. If you enjoy quirky adventures with heart, humor, and a dose of fantasy, this is a must-watch.
-Anjana George
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