Kalamkaval Review:
Streaming on Sony LIV | Release Date: January 16, 2026
Rating: 3.25/5
Malayalam cinema has long carved a niche for itself with grounded, intelligent thrillers, especially in the crime and investigative genre. Kalamkaval, starring Malayalam megastar Mammootty, is the latest addition to that tradition. Now streaming in Telugu on Sony LIV, the film revisits a familiar concept but packages it with strong performances and an engaging narrative style.
Story:
Set between 2005 and 2012, Kalamkaval is inspired by a series of real-life incidents involving the mysterious disappearance of several middle-aged, unmarried, divorced, and solitary individuals across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. With no bodies, no concrete clues, and no clear pattern, the case turns into a nightmare for the Kerala Police.
Enter Crime Branch officer Jayakrishna (Vinayakan), popularly known as “Gudlaguba” (the owl), who takes charge of the baffling investigation. Running parallel is the life of Stanley Das (Mammootty), a seemingly decent family man whose involvement in these crimes slowly comes into focus. Who is behind the murders? What drives them? And does the law finally catch up with the truth? These questions form the core of the narrative.
Plus Points:
The film’s biggest strength lies in its inspiration from real-life incidents, lending it an unsettling realism. Despite the familiarity of the premise especially for those who have seen the Hindi web series Dahaad the narration remains gripping for first-time viewers. The screenplay keeps the audience hooked, maintaining curiosity about what unfolds next.
Director Jithin K. Jose deserves credit for sustaining tension and delivering several well-executed investigative sequences. The film benefits from a taut narrative that avoids unnecessary distractions and focuses squarely on the crime and its psychological underpinnings.
Mammootty’s performance is a major highlight. Choosing a dark, morally complex role, the veteran actor delivers a restrained yet powerful performance with negative shades. His understated acting elevates the character of Stanley Das and adds depth to the film. Vinayakan, as the sharp and relentless investigating officer, is equally impressive and perfectly cast. The supporting cast complements the leads with natural, believable performances.
Drawbacks:
Viewers familiar with Dahaad may find the core concept predictable, which slightly dilutes the impact of the suspense. Certain narrative choices also raise questions particularly the plausibility of an investigation spanning several years without yielding even a single tangible clue or body. Additionally, the pacing slackens in the middle portions, briefly affecting the film’s momentum.
Technical Aspects:
The production values are solid, with Mammootty himself backing the project. Mujeeb Majeed’s music and background score significantly enhance the film’s mood, especially during tense investigative moments. Faisal Ali’s cinematography is effective in capturing the grim atmosphere, while Praveen Prabhakar’s editing is mostly crisp, barring a few slow stretches.
Verdict:
Kalamkaval may not reinvent the crime thriller genre, but it stands out thanks to assured direction and powerful performances particularly from Mammootty. While comparisons with Dahaad are inevitable, this film holds its own with a more grounded and intense execution. For viewers who are unfamiliar with similar stories and enjoy investigative thrillers rooted in realism, Kalamkaval makes for a satisfying and engaging OTT watch.
