A Quirky Whodunit That Teases More Than It Delivers
On January 16, 2025, Malayalam cinema welcomed Pravinkoodu Shappu, a dark comedy thriller that arrived with the promise of a fresh spin on the whodunit genre. Directed by debutant Sreeraj Sreenivasan and produced by Anwar Rasheed Entertainment, this film stars Basil Joseph, Soubin Shahir, Chemban Vinod Jose, and Chandini Sreedharan, set against the rustic backdrop of a Thrissur toddy shop. With its nonlinear storytelling, eccentric characters, and a murder mystery at its core, Pravinkoodu Shappu aimed to blend suspense with humor—a bold move for a first-time filmmaker. Two months post-release, as of March 14, 2025, it’s clear the film has sparked conversation, but does it live up to its intriguing premise? Let’s dive in.
The Setup: A Toddy Shop Murder Mystery
The story unfolds on a stormy night when Babu (Shivajith), a menacing toddy shop owner, is found hanging inside his locked establishment. Eleven people—workers, regulars, and a mysterious woman—were present, playing cards after hours. Enter Sub-Inspector Santhosh (Basil Joseph), a diligent yet quirky officer tasked with unraveling the truth. What starts as a suicide case quickly spirals into a murder investigation, with secrets tumbling out like spilled toddy. The first half follows Santhosh’s probe, while the second shifts perspective, revealing events from the other side—a cat-and-mouse game that keeps you guessing, at least initially.
The premise is tantalizing: a confined setting, a colorful ensemble, and a puzzle that teases deception at every turn. Sreeraj Sreenivasan hooks you early, with the toddy shop itself—a rain-soaked, dimly lit haven—acting as a character. Shyju Khalid’s cinematography shines here, capturing the claustrophobic tension with moody frames that make you feel the dampness and dread.
The Good: Technical Brilliance and Performances
Pravinkoodu Shappu is a technical marvel. Shafique Mohamed Ali’s editing juggles the nonlinear timeline with finesse, weaving past and present seamlessly in the first half to keep you invested. Vishnu Vijay’s background score pulses with rustic energy, amplifying the suspense and humor without overpowering the narrative. Gokul Das’s production design transforms the toddy shop into a lived-in world, brimming with authenticity—every creaky bench and flickering bulb adds flavor.
The cast is a highlight. Basil Joseph, as SI Santhosh, brings a delightful mix of earnestness and oddball charm, evolving from a by-the-book cop to a man grappling with the case’s absurdity. His bike chase scene—a standout action beat—is both thrilling and comical, showcasing his versatility. Soubin Shahir, playing a differently-abled worker, delivers a layered performance, balancing vulnerability with sly wit—reminiscent of his Kumbalangi Nights gravitas. Chandini Sreedharan, as the enigmatic woman tied to the mystery, holds her own with subtle mood swings that pay off in hindsight. Chemban Vinod Jose and the supporting players—like Niyas Backer’s quirky Silon—inject humor and humanity, making the shop’s motley crew endearing.
The Not-So-Good: A Fizzling Second Half
For all its promise, Pravinkoodu Shappu stumbles where it matters most: the payoff. The first half builds intrigue masterfully, with dark humor landing like well-timed punches—“Why’s the van still here?” becomes a running gag that’s equal parts funny and foreboding. But the second half, while eventful, loses steam. The nonlinear structure, initially a strength, becomes a crutch, with excessive back-and-forth diluting the tension. The big reveal—meant to be a jaw-dropper—feels contrived, leaning too heavily on luck and overcomplicated plotting. Posts on social media echo this, with fans noting the climax “didn’t pack the punch” they’d hoped for.
The comedy, too, is hit-or-miss. When it works—like Basil’s deadpan exchanges or Soubin’s dry one-liners—it’s a treat. But the misses, often juvenile or forced, grate, especially in the latter half where the tonal shift from thriller to farce feels jarring. At 2 hours and 11 minutes, the film overstays its welcome; tighter editing could’ve sharpened its edge, trimming subplots like Santhosh’s family history that add little.
The Verdict: A Promising Debut That Falls Short
Pravinkoodu Shappu is a film of highs and lows. It’s a visual and technical feast, buoyed by a cast that revels in its quirks. Sreeraj Sreenivasan shows flashes of brilliance—his staging of a bus chase or the eerie opening with “Thumbi Vaa” playing over Babu’s lifeless body are directorial flexes that mark him as one to watch. Yet, the script falters, unable to sustain its early momentum or deliver a climax worthy of its buildup. It’s neither a genre-defining thriller nor a laugh-out-loud comedy, landing in a middle ground that’s engaging but unsatisfying.
For Malayalam cinema, which has been on a roll in 2024-2025 with inventive storytelling, Pravinkoodu Shappu is a noble experiment. It grossed over ₹30 crore against a modest budget, proving its theatrical pull, but it’s not the knockout punch fans of Basil or Soubin might’ve expected. If you enjoy quirky characters and atmospheric mysteries, it’s worth a watch—preferably in theaters for Shyju Khalid’s visuals and Vishnu Vijay’s BGM. Just don’t expect it to linger like a classic.
Rating: 3/5
Pravinkoodu Shappu is a stylish, sporadically fun whodunit that dazzles technically but trips over its own ambition. A solid debut, but one that leaves you wanting more.
Pravinkoodu Shappu is a stylish, sporadically fun whodunit that dazzles technically but trips over its own ambition. A solid debut, but one that leaves you wanting more.