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Padavettu (2022) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Padavettu (2022) Review

Padavettu (2022) (Malayalam action, drama, thriller) — directed by Liju Krishna. Starring Nivin Pauly, Aditi Balan, Shine Tom Chacko. Set in Maloor, a village in Kerala, while farmers suffer and politicians continue their manipulative games, A lazy young resident of the village, Ravi, rises against political bullies to protect his fellow villagers and their farmlands from being usurped. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 21 Oct 2022. Runtime: 2h 22m.

Padavettu
ABOVE AVERAGE

Padavettu(2022)

Malayalam · Action, Drama, Thriller

2h 22m · 21 Oct 2022

Music: Govindh Vasantha | DOP: Deepak D Menon | Writer: Liju Krishna

DramaAction

Ratings

IMDbIMDb6.8
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.2
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB65
TraktTrakt59

Our Rating

3

📖 Story

Padavettu is a Malayalam socio-political drama that revolves around the struggles of the marginalized communities in a rural setting. The story follows the protagonist, played by Nivin Pauly, as he confronts systemic oppression and fights against the entrenched power structures that exploit the poor. The narrative explores themes of resistance, class conflict, and the quest for justice, set against the backdrop of a politically charged village.

🔍 Analysis

Padavettu offers a gritty and raw portrayal of social injustice, with a story that is both relevant and resonant. The screenplay attempts to balance intense political commentary with emotional depth, though at times it leans heavily on familiar tropes. The pacing in the first half is deliberate, setting up the socio-political context and character motivations effectively. The second half picks up momentum with heightened conflict and dramatic confrontations, though some sequences feel stretched.

The film's music by Govindh Vasantha complements the narrative well, with songs that blend seamlessly into the story without disrupting the flow. The background score intensifies the emotional and tense moments, enhancing the overall impact. Cinematography by Deepak D Menon captures the rural landscape authentically, adding to the film’s immersive quality.

While the film succeeds in its thematic ambitions, the screenplay occasionally suffers from unevenness, and certain character arcs could have been more nuanced. Nevertheless, the performances and technical aspects elevate the film, making it a noteworthy addition to Malayalam cinema's socially conscious genre.

🎭 Performances

Nivin Pauly: Powerful and intense, effectively portraying the protagonist's anger and vulnerability.

Aditi Balan: Subtle and impactful, providing emotional grounding to the narrative.

Shine Tom Chacko: Strong supporting role with convincing portrayal of complex emotions.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Strong socio-political themes
  • Powerful lead performance by Nivin Pauly
  • Effective background score and music
  • Authentic cinematography capturing rural milieu

Weaknesses

  • Uneven screenplay with pacing issues
  • Some character arcs lack depth
  • Second half has stretched sequences

🎬 Direction & Writing

Liju Krishna directs with a clear vision to highlight social issues, balancing realism with cinematic storytelling. The writing is earnest but occasionally falls into predictability, though the director manages to keep the audience engaged through impactful scenes and performances.

🛠️ Technical Aspects
  • - Cinematography by Deepak D Menon
  • - Music and background score by Govindh Vasantha
  • - Editing that supports narrative flow
  • - Production design reflecting rural settings

📰 Ratings Sources

No rating sources available.

Our Rating

3/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive60%
Neutral25%
Negative15%

Critics

Critics appreciated Padavettu for its bold thematic content and strong performances, particularly praising Nivin Pauly's portrayal. However, some reviews pointed out the uneven screenplay and pacing issues. The technical aspects like music and cinematography were generally well received, contributing positively to the film's atmosphere.

Final Box-Office Result

ABOVE AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Padavettu release in theatres?

Padavettu released on 21 October 2022 (2022).

Is Padavettu a hit or flop?

Padavettu is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch Padavettu online? OTT release date?

Padavettu is available on Netflix from 24 November 2022.

Who directed Padavettu?

Padavettu directed by Liju Krishna. Produced by Siddharth Anand Kumar, Vikram Mehra, Sunny Wayne.

Who are the main cast members of Padavettu?

Padavettu stars Nivin Pauly, Aditi Balan, Shine Tom Chacko, Shammi Thilakan, Indrans.

What is the Tollybo rating for Padavettu?

Tollybo rates Padavettu 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.

Who composed the music for Padavettu?

Music for Padavettu composed by Govindh Vasantha.

What is the genre and runtime of Padavettu?

Padavettu — Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller, Runtime: 142 minutes, Language: Malayalam.

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