Last updated: 8 May 2026


Kalki Loading
Malayalam · Action, Comedy, Crime
2h 32m · 8 Aug 2019
Music: Jakes Bejoy | DOP: Gautham Shankar | Writer: Sujin Sujathan, Praveen Prabharam
Ratings
Our Rating
2
Kalki is a Malayalam thriller centered around a police officer investigating a mysterious case involving a woman named Kalki. The story unfolds with layers of suspense and psychological drama, exploring themes of identity, trauma, and justice. As the investigation deepens, the narrative reveals complex character motivations and unexpected twists that challenge the protagonist's perceptions.
Kalki presents a gripping narrative that blends elements of thriller and psychological drama effectively. The screenplay is tightly woven, maintaining suspense throughout the film, especially in the second half where the pace intensifies and the plot twists come to the forefront. The first half sets up the mystery with a measured pace, allowing viewers to engage with the characters and the unfolding enigma.
The film's music and background score by Jakes Bejoy complement the tense atmosphere, enhancing the emotional depth and suspense without overpowering the scenes. The songs are minimal but well placed, serving the narrative rather than distracting from it. Cinematography by Gautham Shankar captures the mood with a mix of dark and moody visuals, adding to the film's overall tone.
While the pacing is deliberate, it may feel slow to some viewers in the initial stages, but it pays off as the story progresses. The screenplay's strength lies in its ability to keep the audience guessing and the director's control over the narrative flow is commendable. Overall, Kalki is a well-crafted thriller with strong technical aspects and a compelling story.
Tovino Thomas: Delivering a nuanced and intense portrayal of the police officer, Tovino Thomas anchors the film with a restrained yet powerful performance.
Samyuktha: Samyuktha brings a delicate vulnerability to her role, effectively conveying the emotional layers of her character.
Aparna Nair: Aparna Nair provides solid support with a convincing performance that adds depth to the narrative.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Praveen Prabharam's direction is confident and focused, successfully balancing the thriller elements with character-driven storytelling. The writing is tight, with well-placed twists and a coherent narrative structure that maintains interest throughout.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics praised Kalki for its gripping narrative and strong performances, particularly highlighting Tovino Thomas' portrayal. The film's suspenseful screenplay and atmospheric technical aspects were noted as key strengths. Some critiques pointed out the slow pacing in the first half but acknowledged that the payoff in the latter half justified the build-up.
Final Box-Office Result
Kalki released on 8 August 2019 (2019).
Kalki is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Kalki is available on ZEE5, ETV Win, YouTube. OTT date will be updated soon.
Kalki directed by Praveen Prabharam. Produced by Prasobh Krishna, Suvin K Varkey.
Kalki stars Tovino Thomas, Samyuktha, Aparna Nair, Shivajith Padmanabhan, Saiju Kurup.
Tollybo rates Kalki 2/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Music for Kalki composed by Jakes Bejoy.
Kalki — Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime, Runtime: 152 minutes, Language: Malayalam.