Princy Alexander of ”[[Onmanorama]]” noted that the film employs familiar thriller tropes but is held together by strong central work.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kalamkaval review: Mammootty’s slow-burner brilliance again|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2025/12/05/mammootty-kalamkaval-review-thriller-tropes-movie-review.html |website=Onmanorama |access-date=7 December 2025}}</ref>
Princy Alexander of ”[[Onmanorama]]” noted that the film employs familiar thriller tropes but is held together by strong central work.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kalamkaval review: Mammootty’s slow-burner brilliance again|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2025/12/05/mammootty-kalamkaval-review-thriller-tropes-movie-review.html |website=Onmanorama |access-date=7 December 2025}}</ref>
Sajin Shrijith of ”[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]]” praised the film’s tense staging and the performances of Mammootty and Vinayakan.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kalamkaval review: An unforgettable Mammootty and a sturdy Vinayakan in a haunting surprise-laden thriller |url=https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2025/12/05/kalamkaval-review-an-unforgettable-mammootty-and-a-sturdy-vinayakan-in-a-haunting-surprise-laden-thriller.html |website=The Week |access-date=7 December 2025}}</ref>
Sajin Shrijith of ”[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]]” praised the film’s tense staging and the performances of Mammootty and Vinayakan.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kalamkaval review: An unforgettable Mammootty and a sturdy Vinayakan in a haunting surprise-laden thriller |url=https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2025/12/05/kalamkaval-review-an-unforgettable-mammootty-and-a-sturdy-vinayakan-in-a-haunting-surprise-laden-thriller.html |website=The Week |access-date=7 December 2025}}</ref>
”[[Pinkvilla]]” highlighted Mammootty’s portrayal but found the narrative predictable.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kalamkaval review: Mammootty dominates as a chilling villain in a rather predictable crime thriller |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/kalamkaval-review-mammootty-dominates-as-a-chilling-villain-in-a-rather-predictable-crime-thriller-1398940 |website=Pinkvilla |access-date=7 December 2025}}</ref>
”[[Pinkvilla]]” highlighted Mammootty’s portrayal but found the narrative predictable.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kalamkaval review: Mammootty dominates as a chilling villain in a rather predictable crime thriller |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/kalamkaval-review-mammootty-dominates-as-a-chilling-villain-in-a-rather-predictable-crime-thriller-1398940 |website=Pinkvilla |access-date=7 December 2025}}</ref>
2025 film by Jithin K. Jose
| Kalamkaval | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical Release Poster |
|
| Directed by | Jithin K. Jose |
| Written by | Jithin K. Jose Jishnu Sreekumar |
| Starring | Mammootty Vinayakan |
| Cinematography | Faisal Ali |
| Edited by | Praveen Prabhakar |
| Music by | Mujeeb Majeed |
|
Production |
Mammootty Kampany |
| Distributed by | Wayfarer Films |
|
Release date |
|
|
Running time |
144 minutes[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Box office | ₹44.50 crore[2] |
Kalamkaval 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.
Kalamkaval was released in theatres on 5 December 2025 and received positive reviews from critics and audience alike, who praise the cast performances (particularly of Mammootty and Vinayakan), direction, cinematography, music and writing.
Plot
Set in the early 2000s in Kerala, Officer Jayakrishnan is assigned the duty of finding out the real reason behind a communal violence that happened in the southern part of the state. His investigation eventually finds out that the riot happened because of a certain misunderstanding regarding a girl eloping with someone.
On further investigation, Jayakrishnan is dragged into a chain where he finds out about a lot of women who have gone missing in a similar pattern. His efforts to find out what really happened to these women forms the core of the story.
Cast
Production
Development
Reports for Mammootty’s upcoming film came on May 25, 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 Big B (2007). 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, Mammoootty 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 several actresses 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]
Music
| Kalamkaval | |
|---|---|
| Released | November 2025 |
| Genre | Filmi |
| Length | 1m 52s |
Tracklisting
| Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | “Nilaa Kaayum” | Vinayak Sasikumar | Sindhu Delson | 1:52 |
| Total length: | 1:52 | |||
Marketing
The first look of the film was released on 16 February 2025.[16][17][18] The second look was released on 20 April 2025.[19][20] The official teaser was released on 28 August 2025.[21] A pre-release teaser was released on 1 December 2025.[22]
Release
Theatrical
The film received a UA 16+ certification from CBFC.[23] The film’s theatrical release date was originally going to be November 27, 2025.[24] However, it was then postponed to December 5, 2025.[25]
Home Media
The post theatrical digital rights of the film is acquired by SonyLIV.[26]
Reception
Critical reception
Kalamkaval received positive reviews from critics.
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 also praised it’s screenwriting.[27]
S. R. Praveen of The Hindu called it a “slow-burn thriller”, highlighting the narrative restraint while also noting pacing issues.[28]
Janaki K. of India Today described the film as a psychological crime drama with strong central performances and rated 3 out of 5.[29]
Anjana George of The Times of India rated 3 stars and appreciated the lead performances.[30]
Latha Srinivasan of NDTV rated 3.5 out of 5 and called it “a compelling watch”, giving credit to Mammootty and Vinayakan.[31]
Princy Alexander of Onmanorama noted that the film employs familiar thriller tropes but is held together by strong central work.[32]
Sajin Shrijith of The Week praised the film’s tense staging and the performances of Mammootty and Vinayakan and rated 4.5 out of 5.[33]
Pinkvilla highlighted Mammootty’s portrayal but found the narrative predictable.[34]
Filmfare described it as a slow-burning crime mystery with emphasis on mood and silence.[35]
Conversely, The Indian Express criticised the film.[36]
References
- ^ “Kalamkaval”. Central Board of Film Certification. Retrieved 3 December 2025.
- ^ “Kalamkaval Worldwide Box Office Opening Weekend: Mammootty’s film fetches SOLID Rs 44.50 crore in 3 days, all eyes on Monday hold”. Pinkvilla. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ “Mammootty’s Next Movie With Kurup Director To Begin On May 25”. timesnownews.com. 2024-05-09. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
- ^ “Mammootty to play villain against Vinayakan”. onmanorama.com. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
- ^ “Mammootty and Vinayakan team up; new film announcement sparks excitement”. onmanorama.com. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
- ^ “‘കളങ്കാവൽ’ മമ്മൂട്ടി കമ്പനിയുടെ ഏഴാമത്തെ ചിത്രത്തിന്റ് ഫസ്റ്റ് ലുക്ക് എത്തി”. kairalinewsonline.com. 15 February 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ “Kalamkaval: Mammootty to unleash himself in another ‘never-seen-before’ avatar soon”. The Indian Express. 16 February 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ “First look of Kalamkaval out, promises a ‘NEVER SEEN BEFORE …” mathrubhumi.com. 15 February 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ “What kind of character is Mammootty playing in ‘Kalamkaval’?”. The Week. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ “Prithviraj suggested Mammootty for ‘Kalamkaval’, says director Jithin K Jose”. @mathrubhumi. November 13, 2025.
- ^ “Mammootty and Vinayakan starrer goes on floors in Nagercoil”. The Times of India. 2024-09-25. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
- ^ “Mammootty joins the sets of his new film with Vinayakan”. Cinema Express. 2024-10-02. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
- ^ “Shoot of Mammootty and Vinayakan’s film wrapped up”. The Hindu. 2024-11-09. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
- ^ “‘Kalamkaval’ release pushed; Mammootty–Vinayakan film awaits new date”. onmanorama.com. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
- ^ “21 heroines in Mammootty’s upcoming film; ‘Kurup’ writer’s directorial debut”. keralakaumudi.com. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ “വിനായകന് വില്ലൻ മമ്മൂക്കയോ?; ഞെട്ടിക്കാന് ‘കളങ്കാവൽ’“. manoramanews.com. 15 February 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ “‘Kalamkaval’ first look out: Mammootty and Vinayakan set for an intense face-off”. onmanorama.com. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ “Kalamkaval: First Look Poster Of Mammootty’s Film Out Now”. ndtv.com. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ “Mammootty teases grey role in ‘Kalamkaval’ second look reveal”. mathrubhumi.com. 20 April 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ “Second look poster of Mammootty-Vinayakan starrer Kalamkaval unveiled”. Cinema Express. 20 April 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ “‘Kalamkaval’ teaser: Mammootty and Vinayakan lock horns; intense thriller promises fiery showdown”. The Times of India. 2025-08-28. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
- ^ “Kalamkaval teaser: Mammootty hints at his darkest role yet, says ‘Killing a human gives greatest pleasure’“. The Indian Express. 2025-12-01. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
- ^ “Kalamkaval clears censor: Mammootty and Vinayakan’s thriller nears release”. The Times of India. 23 October 2025. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
- ^ “Kalamkaval Second Look Tomorrow”. asianetnews.com. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ “Kalamkaval: Is Mammootty and Vinayakan’s crime thriller being postponed from November release?”. pinkvilla.com. 20 November 2025. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ “Kalamkaval OTT Release: Where To Watch Mammootty’s Crime Thriller After Its Theatrical Run”. timesnownews.com. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
- ^ “Kalamkaval Movie Review: Mammootty like never before in this genre-defining thriller”. Hollywood Reporter India. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ Praveen, S. R. “Kalamkaval movie review: Mammotty-Vinayakan slow burn thriller”. The Hindu. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ “Mammootty Kalamkaval review: Mammootty transforms into monster, Vinayakan anchors thriller”. India Today. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ “Kalamkaval Movie Review: A slow-burn investigative thriller with compelling performances”. The Times of India. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ “Kalamkaval Review: Mammootty and Vinayakan’s performances make this thriller a compelling watch”. NDTV. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ “Kalamkaval review: Mammootty’s slow-burner brilliance again”. Onmanorama. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ “Kalamkaval review: An unforgettable Mammootty and a sturdy Vinayakan in a haunting surprise-laden thriller”. The Week. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ “Kalamkaval review: Mammootty dominates as a chilling villain in a rather predictable crime thriller”. Pinkvilla. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ “Kalamkaval review: Mammootty steps into the shadows in a slow-burning crime mystery”. Filmfare. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ “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.
