✅ “Vadakkan (2025)” is a gripping Malayalam supernatural thriller that takes audiences on a chilling journey into the heart of ancient Dravidian folklore. Directed by Sajeed A., the film explores the dark interplay between modern paranormal investigation and age-old cult practices. Released on March 7, 2025, it promises to immerse viewers in a world where reality blurs with the supernatural, driven by a strong technical crew and a compelling premise. While ambitious in its scope, “Vadakkan” aims to deliver a unique horror experience rooted in regional mythology.

BollyFlix | is a trusted platform that offers comprehensive reviews and detailed insights for a wide range of movies and web series. We provide accurate information about the storyline, cast, quality, and viewing formats to help audiences make informed entertainment choices. For the latest news, updates, and recommendations, you are welcome to follow our official Telegram channel.

5.4/10

Vadakkan

Director: Sajeed A. Raman

Writers: N/A

Stars: Kishore, Shruthy Menon, Merin Philip

Country: India, Finland

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Thriller

Languages: Malayalam

Overview: A paranormal investigator based in Helsinki ventures to Kerala to probe a series of mysterious deaths during a reality TV show shoot and confronts an unspeakable entity from a Dravidian cult...

TMDb: View on TMDb

Vadakkan (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: Vadakkan (2025)
• Language: Malayalam (Dubbed in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu)
• Budget: Not Publicly Disclosed (Estimated Moderate)
• Revenue: Approx. ₹0.59 Cr (Worldwide, as of March 2025)
• Runtime: 112 Minutes (1 Hour 52 Minutes)
• Release Date: March 7, 2025 (India Theatrical & later Prime Video)
• Genres: Supernatural, Thriller, Horror, Fantasy
• Cast: Kishore Kumar G., Shruthy Menon, Merin Philip, Kalesh Ramanand, Meenakshi Unnikrishnan, Garggi Ananthan, Maala Parvathi
• Directors: Sajeed A.
• Screenplay: Unni R.
• Studios & Producers: Offbeet Studios (Producers: Maj Jaideep Singh, Bhavya Nidhi Sharma)
• Voice Cast: Not Applicable
• Animation & Style: Not Applicable

OFFICIAL IMAGES

Plot Summary

“Vadakkan (2025)” delves into a chilling supernatural mystery rooted in ancient Dravidian folklore. The story centers on Raman Perumalayan (Kishore Kumar G.), a world-renowned paranormal investigator based in Helsinki, who is called back to his native Kerala. His return is prompted by a series of inexplicable and brutal deaths occurring during the shoot of a reality TV show at the mysterious location of Brahmagiri. As Raman begins his investigation, he discovers that the deaths are linked to an unspeakable entity, born from dark cult practices and lurking on a secluded island. The plot intricately weaves elements of a modern-day detective story with profound mythological undertones, revealing an ancient secret dating back to the 800-year-old Indus Valley Civilization. Raman’s quest to unravel these dark secrets forces him to confront not only external supernatural forces but also his own past and personal demons. The film, described as the first chapter in a planned trilogy, explores themes of unresolved guilt, the power of ancient beliefs, and the fine line between the scientific and the supernatural. It’s a journey into a terrifying world where reality blurs, and an encounter with a deadly spirit from folklore awaits.

Cast & Crew

“Vadakkan” features a talented ensemble, with veteran actor Kishore Kumar G. leading the cast as Raman Perumalayan, the paranormal investigator. Kishore delivers a nuanced performance, portraying the character’s intellectual prowess and inner turmoil as he grapples with the supernatural. His commanding screen presence grounds the film amidst its fantastical elements. Shruthy Menon, as Megha Nambiar, provides strong support, playing a crucial role in drawing Raman back to Kerala and often acting as his emotional anchor. Merin Philip as Anna Joseph, Kalesh Ramanand as Narayanan, and Meenakshi Unnikrishnan as Meera contribute to the ensemble, portraying the vulnerable reality TV crew members whose lives are imperiled. Veteran actress Maala Parvathi adds gravitas in her role as Ayesha. Director Sajeed A., who also penned the story, has assembled a competent cast that effectively brings his vision to life. The performances are generally earnest, with actors striving to maintain credibility within the challenging horror-thriller genre. The film also benefits from a robust technical crew, including the acclaimed sound designer Resul Pookutty and Japanese cinematographer Keiko Nakahara, whose contributions significantly elevate the viewing experience.

Critical & Audience Response

“Vadakkan (2025)” received a mixed to positive reception from critics and audiences upon its release. Reviewers widely praised the film’s technical brilliance, particularly its cinematography, sound design, and overall production quality, which were often compared to Hollywood standards. The attempt to blend a modern investigative approach with deep-rooted Dravidian folklore was appreciated for its originality and ambition. However, a recurring criticism was the narrative’s inconsistency and confusion. Many critics noted that while the premise was intriguing, the plot often lost steam halfway through, leaving threads hanging and key events unexplained. The character motivations and the logic of the supernatural entity were sometimes unclear, leading to a sense of frustration for some viewers. The performances were deemed a mixed bag, with Kishore Kumar being generally good, but some supporting roles struggling with the chaotic narrative. Despite these narrative shortcomings, the film managed to create some genuinely eerie moments, and its unique cultural backdrop was a definite plus. Audience reactions were more polarized, with some hailing it as a “Mollywood gem” for its technical aspects and chilling atmosphere, while others found it to be a “disappointment” due to its convoluted storyline and lack of depth. Ultimately, “Vadakkan” was seen as an ambitious effort that excelled in technical execution but faltered slightly in its storytelling cohesion.

Direction & Cinematography

Director Sajeed A., who also conceived the story for “Vadakkan,” demonstrates a clear ambition to deliver a high-quality supernatural thriller. His direction is marked by a strong emphasis on atmosphere and technical finesse. Sajeed attempts to craft a unique horror experience by drawing heavily from ancient Dravidian legends, aiming for a more intellectual and culturally rich scare rather than jump scares. He effectively builds suspense in many sequences, particularly in the initial build-up of the mystery. While his vision for the horror elements and stylistic approach is commendable, the execution of the complex narrative arc sometimes falters, leading to a somewhat muddled plot progression. The film truly shines through its cinematography by the acclaimed Japanese cinematographer Keiko Nakahara. Nakahara’s work is exceptional, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience. Her use of lighting, shadows, and framing perfectly complements the eerie and mysterious tone of the film. The visuals of Kerala’s dense forests and ancient settings are rendered with breathtaking beauty and chilling intensity. Her camera work meticulously captures the unsettling atmosphere, contributing significantly to the film’s horror elements and overall mood. The synergy between Sajeed’s directorial vision and Nakahara’s visual prowess elevates “Vadakkan” into a technically impressive film, even if the storytelling occasionally misses its mark.

Music & Background Score

The music and background score of “Vadakkan” are crucial elements that significantly contribute to its atmospheric horror and thriller genre. Composed by Bijibal, the background score is highly effective in building tension, enhancing the eerie mood, and underscoring the film’s supernatural elements. Bijibal’s compositions are subtle yet impactful, utilizing traditional and contemporary sounds to create a unique auditory experience that complements the film’s setting and themes. The score is particularly praised for its ability to evoke a sense of dread and mystery without being overly reliant on loud jump-scare cues, opting instead for a more psychological approach to horror. The sound design, handled by the Academy Award-winning Resul Pookutty CAS, MPSE, is a standout feature of “Vadakkan.” Pookutty’s expertise in creating immersive soundscapes is evident, as every rustle, whisper, and ominous sound contributes to the film’s unsettling atmosphere. The intricate sound design elevates the scares and helps to immerse the audience fully into the terrifying world of Dravidian folklore. The combination of Bijibal’s evocative music and Pookutty’s masterful sound engineering makes the auditory experience of “Vadakkan” one of its strongest assets.

Visuals & Special Effects

“Vadakkan” excels in its visuals and special effects, setting a high standard for supernatural thrillers in Malayalam cinema. The film’s primary strength lies in its ability to create a deeply immersive and unsettling visual experience. The cinematography by Keiko Nakahara plays a pivotal role, capturing the lush, yet foreboding, landscapes of Kerala with remarkable artistry. Her lighting choices and framing techniques are meticulously crafted to enhance the eerie atmosphere, making the ancient settings and supernatural occurrences genuinely chilling. The film judiciously employs visual effects (VFX), provided by companies like Frost FX (Estonia), IVFX, Coconut Bunch Creations, and Greymatter (India). Instead of relying on overt jump scares or cheap CGI, the effects are subtle and integrated seamlessly into the narrative, serving to enhance the paranormal presence and the mystery surrounding the ancient cult. The production design by M Bava also contributes significantly, creating authentic and atmospheric sets that transport the audience into the film’s mystical world. The overall visual treatment, combined with well-executed special effects and a nuanced color grade by Andreas Brückl, ensures that “Vadakkan” is a visually captivating film that effectively builds its horror through mood and imagery.

Editing & Screenplay

The editing of “Vadakkan,” handled by Sooraj ES, plays a crucial role in the film’s pacing and narrative flow. While attempts are made to maintain a suspenseful rhythm, the film’s complex and sometimes convoluted plot posed a significant challenge. The editing generally supports the atmospheric build-up in the horror sequences, but some critics noted that the narrative felt disjointed in places, with certain subplots not fully developed or resolved. The screenplay, penned by State Award-winning writer Unni R. (with story by Sajeed A.), is ambitious in its scope, delving into rich Dravidian folklore and ancient rituals. The initial setup is intriguing, drawing the audience into the mystery of the unexplained deaths. However, the script’s biggest weakness lies in its execution of the intricate plot. While it introduces fascinating concepts, the screenplay struggles to maintain coherence throughout, often leaving plot holes and character motivations unclear. The dialogues are functional but don’t always add the desired depth. Despite its narrative inconsistencies, the screenplay’s originality in blending scientific investigation with ancient mythology is commendable, offering a unique premise that sets it apart from conventional horror thrillers, even if it could have benefited from a more refined and focused narrative structure.

Positives / What Works

“Vadakkan” stands out for its exceptional technical brilliance, particularly its stunning cinematography by Keiko Nakahara and the immersive sound design by Academy Award-winner Resul Pookutty. These elements combine to create a genuinely eerie and visually captivating atmosphere that draws the audience into the film’s world. The film’s original premise, blending modern paranormal investigation with ancient Dravidian folklore, is highly ambitious and refreshing for the genre. There are moments of effective suspense and genuine scares that showcase the film’s potential as a supernatural thriller. Kishore Kumar G. delivers a solid performance in the lead role, embodying the determined investigator. The authentic recreation of the Kerala setting and the mystical elements tied to its history also add significant depth and uniqueness to the film. Its international recognition, including selection for the Fantastic Pavilion at Cannes, further attests to its technical and conceptual strengths.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

Despite its technical strengths, “Vadakkan” faces criticism primarily due to its inconsistent and often confusing narrative. The screenplay struggles to fully explain key plot points and character motivations, leaving many questions unanswered and resulting in a somewhat muddled storyline. The film’s ambitious attempt to interweave ancient folklore with modern investigation sometimes leads to a convoluted plot that loses coherence. Some reviewers noted that the pacing could be uneven, and certain segments felt drawn out or lacked a clear purpose. While the visual and sound effects are top-notch, the story’s overall impact is hindered by its inability to fully capitalize on its intriguing premise due to these narrative flaws. The film’s limited box office performance suggests that while it impressed technically, its storytelling might not have resonated with a wider audience.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“Vadakkan (2025)” is an ambitious Malayalam supernatural thriller that stands out for its impressive technical accomplishments and unique premise. It bravely delves into the rich tapestry of Dravidian folklore, attempting to deliver a horror experience unlike anything seen recently. The film’s visually stunning cinematography by Keiko Nakahara and the masterfully crafted sound design by Resul Pookutty are undoubtedly its strongest pillars, elevating the atmospheric horror to a commendable level. However, despite these strengths, the film struggles with a convoluted and at times confusing narrative, which prevents it from fully realizing its immense potential. While the plot has intriguing elements and a strong beginning, its execution becomes inconsistent, leaving viewers with unanswered questions and a sense of narrative fragmentation. “Vadakkan” is a one-time watch for its technical brilliance and genuinely eerie moments, especially for fans of atmospheric horror and regional mythology. It serves as a testament to the technical prowess of Malayalam cinema but also highlights the need for stronger, more cohesive storytelling to match such high production values.

Movie Rating

Disclaimer: We do not host, upload, or link to any files on our server that violate copyright laws.

OFFICIAL TRAILER

FAQs