Read our in-depth review of Vadakkan (2025) – Malayalam cinema’s first-ever supernatural thriller directed by Sajeed A. Now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Cast, plot, and verdict inside!
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Movie Details:
- 🎥 Title: Vadakkan
- 📅 Release Date: March 7, 2025
- 🎬 Director: Sajeed A
- ✍️ Writer: Unni R
- ⭐ Starring: Kishore, Sruthy Menon
- 🎭 Genre: Supernatural Thriller
- 📽️ Production: Offbeat Studios
- 📺 OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
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Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
“Vadakkan” dives into the eerie, untouched realms of paranormal folklore rooted deep within the northern regions of Kerala. The story revolves around Raghu (Kishore), a retired police officer who relocates to a centuries-old ancestral mansion in Vadakara after a tragic loss. Haunted by both personal grief and inexplicable occurrences, Raghu’s life takes a darker turn as he begins to uncover the secrets buried in the home’s haunting past.
As Anjali (Sruthy Menon), a local historian, joins him in decoding a series of supernatural events, the narrative slowly unravels the mansion’s chilling connection to an ancient spirit trapped between realms. What starts as mild disturbances escalates into a series of terrifying, mind-bending incidents that question the line between reality and the spirit world.
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Performances
Kishore delivers a performance that’s raw, restrained, and emotionally powerful. His portrayal of a man tormented by grief and guilt adds a layer of psychological tension that complements the film’s supernatural elements. It’s not a loud or melodramatic act—rather, his strength lies in subtle expressions and silent suffering.
Sruthy Menon brings depth and intellect to her character. As Anjali, she adds a grounded balance to the story, guiding the viewer through folklore, facts, and fear. Her chemistry with Kishore is mature and realistic, helping the narrative stay anchored even as it veers into paranormal territory.
Supporting characters are minimal but effective—used more as narrative devices to build tension and deepen the mythology rather than to add subplots.
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Direction & Screenplay
Sajeed A deserves full credit for crafting an atmospheric, deeply immersive horror experience without falling into the typical jump-scare tropes that dominate the genre. As Malayalam cinema’s first true paranormal thriller, Vadakkan stands out for its bold storytelling and commitment to cultural authenticity.
The screenplay by Unni R is tight, methodical, and builds tension gradually. It avoids the usual horror clichés and instead opts for a creeping, unsettling dread. Dialogues are minimal but effective, with silence playing a crucial narrative role.
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Cinematography & Technical Aspects
The cinematography by Ajay Menon is exceptional. The play of light and shadow, especially in the ancestral mansion, creates a sense of unease that lingers throughout. Long tracking shots, candle-lit corridors, and fog-filled exteriors contribute to a beautifully eerie visual palette.
The sound design is another highlight. Instead of loud, jarring background scores, Vadakkan uses ambient noises—creaking floors, whispering winds, distant chants—to terrify the audience. The background score by Rahul Raj is understated but haunting, perfectly syncing with the film’s tone.
VFX is used sparingly but effectively, never over-the-top. The paranormal moments feel believable within the world the film builds.
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Themes & Symbolism
At its core, Vadakkan explores grief, guilt, ancestral sins, and the inescapable grip of the past. The spirit in the film is not just a horror device but a metaphor for the burdens families carry across generations.
It also touches upon Kerala’s rich oral traditions and folklore, especially from the northern Malabar region—something rarely explored on screen. This cultural anchoring gives Vadakkan a unique identity, making it more than just a ghost story.
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What Works:
- ✅ Fresh and bold genre for Malayalam cinema
- ✅ Gripping performances by Kishore and Sruthy Menon
- ✅ Atmospheric cinematography and sound design
- ✅ Intelligent, culturally rooted storytelling
- ✅ Minimalist yet powerful direction
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What Could Be Better:
- ❌ A few slow patches in the second half may test the patience of commercial cinema lovers
- ❌ Viewers expecting traditional horror jump scares might find it too subtle
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Final Verdict
Vadakkan is not your typical horror film. It is a slow-burn, atmospheric thriller that blends psychological drama with elements of folklore and the supernatural. With strong performances, a haunting setting, and intelligent direction, it opens a new chapter in Malayalam cinema—a bold, genre-breaking move that should be celebrated.
For those who enjoy horror with depth, culture, and purpose—Vadakkan is a must-watch.
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BMR Rating: 8.2/10
“A milestone in Malayalam cinema’s journey into the paranormal. Gritty, grounded, and deeply unsettling.”
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Where to Watch
Vadakkan is now streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. Grab your headphones, dim the lights, and prepare for a cinematic experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.