KALAMKAVAL Review -  An Engaging Police Procedural.

Ashwin

Mammootty is a psychopath serial killer who murders women after having a sexual relationship with them. Vinayakan is the Police officer who is assigned to the case. The investigative progression unveils the remaining story.

Writing/ Direction: It might have landed as a routine crime thriller, if not for some thought-provoking creative decisions. Casting Mammootty as the ruthless baddie and Vinayakan in the cop role is a master stroke. There is nothing exceptional with respect to the story or the screenplay, but the above mentioned point does make a difference. The Police procedural scenes are quite interesting, nothing path-breaking yet the case progresses steadily. On the other hand, there are issues with how the crime sequences are staged, it needed more detailing in exactly how Mammootty is tricking all the women to fall for him. Also, there is nothing fresh in those portions other than our beloved Mamukka flirting with the girls in a Manmadhan/ Naan Avan Illai zone. Becomes repetitive as time passes by, however the performances balance these loose ends together. Credits to the director for being unapologetic about the criminal, not showcasing any backstory to justify the inhuman acts. The interval twist is a banger, changing the entire ball game of the latter half. The final stretch is solid with unexpected revelations, believably linked as well. The constable track and the emotional play with a woman character are the plot-points that help in the staging of the impactful climax.

Performances: Such a menacing performance from Mammootty after Brahmayugam, he just owns cruelty right from the beginning, and the play with his smoking style is fun to watch. He has naturally acted alongside women in tough situations without any inhibitions. Vinayakan perfectly suits the cop role, he is sincere during the procedural, scores high and taps the commercial meter towards the end. Amidst the long list of women characters, Rajisha Vijayan gets a peculiar role and she has utilized it well.

Technicalities: Absolutely no songs or any sort of deviations for the story. The background score is neat and complements the intense mood effectively. Impressive camera work with apt placements of tight closeups and aerial angles wherever necessary, making sure the audience are involved in the subject. Editing is a mixed bag, it does help the narrative with plenty of seamless transitions, but certain scene orders are forcefully non-linear in the intention to offer cheap thrills.

Verdict - A crime thriller that flows slowly yet steadily with surprising elements spread across regular intervals. Repetitive at times, still the casting choices and performances hold the film well.

KALAMKAVAL - An Engaging Police Procedural.

Rating : 3/5