Kalamkaval (2025) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Kalamkaval (2025) Review
Kalamkaval (2025) is a Malayalam crime, drama film starring Vinayakan, Mammootty, Rajisha Vijayan. Directed by Jithin K Jose. Early 2010s. A routine Kerala Police inquiry in the quiet village of Kottayikonam takes an unexpected turn when a trail of seemingly minor clues unravels into a string of disturbing cases. The investigation soon crosses into Tamil Nadu, revealing unsolved mysteries that have lingered for years. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 27 Nov 2025. Runtime: 2h 24m.
Kalamkaval(2025)
The Venom Beneath
Malayalam · Crime, Drama
2h 24m · 27 Nov 2025
Music: Mujeeb Majeed | DOP: Faisal Ali | Writer: Jithin K Jose, Jishnu Sreekumar
Ratings
Our Rating
3
📖 Story
Kalamkaval is a gripping Malayalam drama centered around the intersecting lives of its protagonists, exploring themes of fate, justice, and redemption. The narrative unfolds through a tightly woven screenplay that balances intense emotional moments with suspenseful sequences, highlighting the struggles and resilience of the characters against a backdrop of societal challenges.
Kalamkaval offers a compelling storyline that engages the audience from start to finish. The screenplay is well-structured, with a strong emphasis on character development and narrative depth. The pacing is steady, with the first half laying a solid foundation through detailed exposition and character arcs, while the second half ramps up the tension leading to a satisfying climax.
The film's music, composed by Mujeeb Majeed, complements the narrative effectively. The songs are thoughtfully placed, enhancing the emotional resonance without disrupting the flow. The background score is subtle yet impactful, elevating key moments and maintaining the film's immersive atmosphere.
Cinematography by Faisal Ali captures the essence of the story's setting with a blend of naturalistic visuals and stylistic framing, adding to the film's overall mood. The combination of technical finesse and strong performances makes Kalamkaval a noteworthy addition to contemporary Malayalam cinema.
Vinayakan: Powerful and nuanced, bringing intensity and depth to his character.
Mammootty: Commanding presence with a layered portrayal that anchors the film.
Rajisha Vijayan: Expressive and engaging, effectively conveying her character's emotional journey.
Shruti Ramachandran: Subtle and convincing, adding authenticity to the narrative.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong screenplay with well-developed characters
- ✓Effective background score enhancing the mood
- ✓Impressive performances by lead actors
- ✓Cinematography that complements the narrative tone
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing slightly slow in the mid-section
- ✕Some supporting characters underutilized
🎬 Direction & Writing
Jithin K Jose delivers a confident directorial debut with a clear vision, balancing narrative complexity and emotional depth. The writing is tight, with dialogues that feel authentic and impactful, though certain subplots could have been explored further.
📰 Critic Reviews
On the whole, Mammootty’s Kalamkaval offers decent thrills for viewers who go in without prior knowledge of the concept and are looking for a crime investigation thriller. Mammootty impresses with a solid performance, and the engaging narration keeps the audience invested. While it may not feel entirely new for those w…
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 65% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics have generally praised Kalamkaval for its strong performances and technical finesse, particularly highlighting Mammootty and Vinayakan's portrayals. The film's music and cinematography received positive mentions, though some noted the pacing issues in the middle portion. Overall, the reception leans positive with appreciation for its storytelling and emotional impact.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kalamkaval release in theatres?▾
Kalamkaval released on 27 November 2025 (2025).
Is Kalamkaval a hit or flop?▾
Kalamkaval is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Kalamkaval online? OTT release date?▾
Kalamkaval is available on TBA from 15 January 2026.
Who directed Kalamkaval?▾
Kalamkaval directed by Jithin K Jose. Produced by Mammootty.
Who are the main cast members of Kalamkaval?▾
Kalamkaval stars Vinayakan, Mammootty, Rajisha Vijayan, Shruti Ramachandran.
What is the Tollybo rating for Kalamkaval?▾
Tollybo rates Kalamkaval 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for Kalamkaval?▾
Music for Kalamkaval composed by Mujeeb Majeed.
What is the genre and runtime of Kalamkaval?▾
Kalamkaval — Genre: Crime, Drama, Runtime: 144 minutes, Language: Malayalam.