ONE WORD: An Entertaining and Engaging Horror-Comedy Packed with Laughs and Fun

A Review by Arunjyothi R 

LANGUAGE: MALAYALAM 

DURATION: 02 Hours 08 Minutes 

DIRECTOR: Vijesh Panathur   

GENRE: Comedy Horror  

•POSITIVES:

1: Direction 

2: Story 

3: Screenplay 

4: Entertaining Comedies 

5: Performance of actors

6: Background Score 

7: Cinematography 

8: Editing 

•NEGATIVES:

1: Predictability 

2: Average action sequences 

3: Vibes of the films like Romanjam and Adi Kapyare Koottamani

4: Emotional arch could have been better 

STORY: 

Prakambanam begins in a men’s college hostel in Kochi, where Sidhu (Ganapathi), Punyalan (Sagar Surya), and Shankaran (Ameen) are final-year students enjoying a loud and carefree hostel life filled with alcohol and fun. Sidhu is deeply involved in student politics and is desperate to win the college elections before he graduates. Punyalan, the son of Christian preachers, is in love with Vedika (Sheethal Joseph), while Shankaran moves through hostel life with a relaxed and playful attitude.

The narrative takes a sharp turn when Sidhu learns about the death of his grandmother ( Mallika Sukumaran). The funeral becomes more than a ritual—it quietly exposes the religious and political ideological cracks within the family. Sidhu’s father remains detached from the Hindu customs his mother followed with devotion, creating an uncomfortable contrast. Before leaving, his grandfather (PP Kunhikrishnan) hands Sidhu the ashes, requesting that they be taken to Kashi.

Unwilling to carry ashes openly in a hostel setting, Sidhu transfers them into a small powder bottle and keeps it hidden in his room. Back at the hostel, the story shifts gears. Punyalan stumbles upon the bottle and, mistaking it for drugs, snorts its contents. From this bizarre mistake, Prakambanam finally embraces its core idea. Punyalan begins displaying unsettling behavioural changes, at times slipping into the persona of Sidhu’s conservative grandmother, setting the stage for a strange, darkly comic chain of events that drives the film forward.

REVIEW & ANALYSIS OF THE FILM: 

POSITIVES: 

1: Direction: 

One of the biggest strengths of Prakambanam is its direction. Handling a comedy–supernatural–horror thriller is not easy, but the director manages to maintain a fine balance between humour and horror without losing control at any point. The making quality feels polished and confident, and the film never slips into excess or confusion. What works best is how the director keeps the narrative engaging throughout, ensuring that neither comedy nor horror overpowers the other.

Casting is another area where the director scores big. Every actor seems perfectly suited for their role, and the performances feel well-utilised according to the script’s needs. 

The director clearly understands the strengths of his cast and places them smartly within the narrative. The comedy portions are particularly effective, with humour flowing naturally from situations rather than forced jokes. From start to finish, the film keeps delivering laughs while smoothly carrying the horror element along with it.

The script, also handled by the director, is entertaining and sharp. The film keeps moving forward with continuous events, ensuring there is no lag. Clever cuts and tight execution leave no space for boredom, and the film demands full attention from the audience. At no point does it feel slow or dragged, and the smooth linking of scenes makes the flow convincing and enjoyable. Even the horror portions are handled smartly—nothing feels exaggerated or overstretched. While minor logical questions may exist, the engaging execution never gives the viewer time to overthink them. The way the horror begins, escalates, and is eventually handled feels neat, believable, and entertaining.

SCRIPT: 

1: STORY: 

The story of Prakambanam works on multiple levels while still keeping its core simple and accessible. What begins as a fun, chaotic hostel tale slowly expands into something more layered, bringing together student politics, friendship, family relationships, and belief systems. The film smartly uses everyday situations and youthful energy to build its world, making the characters and their actions feel natural. The supernatural element doesn’t arrive suddenly; instead, it grows organically from the story’s emotional core, giving the narrative a steady and believable progression. This gradual shift helps the audience stay connected while enjoying the humour and surprises along the way.

What truly strengthens the story is how it mixes emotion and ideology with comedy and horror. Themes like generational thinking, cultural practices, and personal faith are woven into the narrative without slowing it down or making it heavy. The grandmother’s presence becomes more than just a plot device—it adds meaning and direction to the supernatural turn of events. Even as the film moves into chaos and madness, the story remains clear about where it is heading. By the final act, all the elements come together smoothly, delivering a conclusion that feels complete, entertaining, and true to the tone the film establishes from the beginning.

2: SCREENPLAY: 

The screenplay of Prakambanam is one of its strongest assets, carefully shaped to fit the tone of a comedy horror thriller while staying rooted in emotions. Right from the beginning, the writing captures the chaos and warmth of hostel life, especially the bond between friends. The friendship among the lead characters feels natural and lived-in, making their jokes, arguments, and support for each other believable. This emotional base helps the audience connect with the characters before the supernatural elements enter the story. The scenes are placed with clarity, and the flow from one event to the next feels smooth and organic.

One of the screenplay’s biggest strengths is how it balances humour, horror, and friendship without losing focus. The comedy often comes from the friends’ reactions to unexpected situations, while the horror elements slowly creep in, creating contrast. The emotional support they show each other during moments of fear and confusion adds depth to the narrative. Instead of relying on over-the-top scares, the screenplay uses timing and character-driven moments to maintain engagement. Each event builds on the previous one, and the strong friendship bond makes even the chaotic situations enjoyable and relatable.

As the film moves into the second half, the screenplay deepens both the chaos and the emotional stakes. The friendships are tested as fear and confusion grow, yet their unity remains the backbone of the story. This emotional connection keeps the audience invested, even during the most absurd or tense moments. The buildup leads neatly into a satisfying climax where humour, horror, and friendship come together. By connecting supernatural elements with genuine emotional bonds, the screenplay ensures that Prakambanam remains entertaining, heartfelt, and engaging till the end.

3: ENTERTAINING COMEDIES: 

The entertaining comedy in Prakambanam is one of its biggest highlights and plays a major role in keeping the film lively throughout. The humour is mostly situational and character-driven, especially rooted in the hostel setting and the easy friendship between the characters. Everyday hostel moments, casual conversations, misunderstandings, and the carefree attitude of the students naturally create laughs without feeling forced. The film avoids loud or artificial jokes, allowing the comedy to flow smoothly from the situations, which makes the humour feel fresh and relatable.

What works even better is how the comedy is smartly blended with the horror elements. Just when scenes begin to turn tense or mysterious, humour steps in at the right moment, easing the fear without breaking the narrative flow. The characters’ reactions to the supernatural situations are particularly amusing, turning confusion and panic into laugh-worthy moments. The comedy remains clean and inclusive, making it enjoyable for both youth and family audiences. By maintaining this balance, Prakambanam ensures that the laughs never feel repetitive and that the film stays engaging and entertaining till the very end.

4: BACKGROUND SCORE: 

The background score of Prakambanam plays a crucial role in shaping the film’s overall experience, especially in balancing comedy and horror. In the lighter moments, the score complements the humour with playful and lively tunes that enhance the fun without overpowering the scenes. These musical cues help maintain the film’s energetic pace and support the situational comedy, making the jokes land more effectively. When the film moves into its horror portions, the background score smartly shifts in tone. Instead of using loud or repetitive sounds, it relies on subtle beats and eerie notes to build tension. This approach creates curiosity rather than fear, pulling the audience deeper into the situation. During key horror scenes, especially in the later portions and climax, the music heightens suspense while still allowing space for humour to exist. The score keeps the audience alert and engaged, making them curious about what will happen next. By carefully controlling mood and rhythm, the background score becomes an essential storytelling tool, enhancing both the thrill and entertainment value of Prakambanam.

5: CINEMATOGRAPHY AND EDITING 

The cinematography in Prakambanam plays a key role in enhancing both the emotional and supernatural layers of the film. The choice of camera angles and movements is well thought out, especially in scenes involving tension and fear. Smooth camera movements help maintain the flow of the narrative, while carefully framed horror shots add to the atmosphere without going over the top. The exorcism sequence stands out in particular, where lighting is used smartly to create an eerie yet controlled mood. Shadows, low-key lighting, and focused illumination add depth to the scene and increase its intensity. Close-up shots are effectively used to capture the emotions and acting skills of the central characters, allowing the audience to feel their fear, confusion, and emotional struggle. These visual choices are well matched to the situations, helping evoke the right emotions at the right moments.

The editing further strengthens the film’s grip by maintaining a steady and engaging pace throughout. The overall duration never feels dragging or boring, and the running time feels well balanced for the genre. Scenes are tightly cut, ensuring that nothing feels unnecessary or overstretched. Every sequence contributes to the narrative, keeping the momentum intact. The transitions between scenes, especially during horror moments, are smooth and gripping, helping to build tension without causing confusion. There are no jarring cuts or mismatched edits, allowing the story to flow naturally. This clean and focused editing ensures that the audience remains fully engaged, making Prakambanam a crisp and well-paced cinematic experience.

 NEGATIVES FELT: 

1: One of the noticeable drawbacks of Prakambanam is its predictability at certain points. While the film remains entertaining, some plot developments and character turns can be easily guessed in advance, especially for viewers familiar with the comedy-horror genre. A few situations follow a familiar pattern, reducing the element of surprise. This predictability slightly weakens the impact of key moments, as the audience often knows where the scene is heading even before it fully unfolds.

2: The action sequences are another area where the film feels just average. Though the staging and locations for these scenes are well chosen and visually appealing, the stunt choreography lacks the punch needed to leave a strong impression. The action moments serve their purpose within the story but fail to create a lasting impact or excitement. With more inventive choreography and tighter execution, these sequences could have elevated the tension and energy, especially during high-stakes moments.

3: Another issue is the familiar vibe the film carries, reminding viewers of popular Malayalam films like Romancham and Adi Kapyare Koottamani. The hostel setting, character dynamics, and overall ambience feel similar, making parts of the film seem less fresh. While Prakambanam adds its own supernatural twist, the similarities in tone and setup might give a sense of déjà vu. Though this familiarity doesn’t ruin the experience, it does reduce the film’s originality to some extent.

PERFORMANCE OF ACTORS: 

Sagar Suriya delivers the standout performance of the film as Punyalan, and his portrayal easily becomes the film’s biggest strength. The way he shifts between light-hearted moments and intense horror is impressive and consistently engaging. His transformation during the horror portions is genuinely chilling and keeps the audience hooked. Sagar completely surrenders himself to the character, and that commitment is visible in every frame. His facial expressions are sharp, his dialogue delivery is perfectly timed, and the emotional weight he brings to Punyalan adds depth to the narrative. The balance he maintains between fear, madness, and controlled intensity makes his performance memorable and elevates the overall impact of the film.

Ganapathi, as Sidharth, shines with a natural and effortless performance. He handles the horror sequences with conviction while smoothly transitioning into emotional and humorous moments. His combination scenes with Mallika Sukumaran stand out, as they manage to evoke laughter, fear, and emotional warmth all at once. His dialogue delivery feels organic, and his sense of timing works well, especially in lighter scenes. The camaraderie he shares with Sagar Suriya and Al Ameen adds charm to the film and enhances the friendship dynamics portrayed on screen.

Al Ameen proves to be a major asset in the comedy portions. His performance feels refreshingly natural, and his expressions during scary situations create humour without turning over-the-top. He understands the tone of the film well and delivers comedy in a restrained yet effective manner. His reactions during horror moments are funny and relatable, making the audience connect instantly. The chaos-driven climax benefits greatly from his presence, as his performance brings genuine laughs while still staying true to the film’s mood.

Mallika Sukumaran delivers a strong and engaging performance, effortlessly balancing humour and horror. Her character demands versatility, and she rises to the occasion with ease. The depth in her voice and her controlled modulation add power to several key scenes. She commands attention whenever she appears on screen, and her presence strengthens both the emotional and dramatic layers of the film. Her performance remains impactful right till the final moments, leaving a lasting impression.

Rajesh Madhavan, appearing in an extended cameo as the exorcist, adds a refreshing mix of seriousness and humour. His screen presence brings energy to the exorcism and climax sequences, creating several laugh-out-loud moments without breaking the tension. Azeez Nedumangad delivers a notable performance, especially in the latter portions, where his humour enriches the narrative. Subin Tarzan also fits perfectly into his role, contributing significantly to the comedy with well-timed performances and memorable moments. Together, the supporting cast strengthens the film and adds layers of entertainment to the overall experience. Sheethal Joseph plays a crucial role and delivers a restrained, natural performance that blends well with the film’s tone.

CONCLUSION:

So, Prakambanam stands out as an engaging horror-comedy that understands its genre well and delivers consistent entertainment. Ganapathi, Sagar Suriyas, and Al Ameen function effectively as the film’s core, each bringing emotion, performance depth, and humour in balanced measure. Supported by controlled direction, an energetic screenplay, well-timed comedy, and an impactful background score, the film keeps the momentum intact throughout. While predictability and familiar genre elements slightly limit its freshness, Prakambanam remains a fun, engaging theatrical experience. I’d easily recommend it as a light, entertaining watch that works well with a crowd.

RATING: 3.5/5

A Review by Arunjyothi. R

Film:  Mardaani 3
Director: Abhiraj Minawala
Producer: Aditya Chopra
Language: Hindi
Genre: Crime Thriller / Social Drama
Runtime: 2h 10 minutes

A review by Gideon Jotham

Positives

• Story
• Emotion
• Message
• Background score
• Intensity
• Realistic treatment
• Strong theme

 Negatives

• Slow moments
• Predictable scenes
• Weak twists
• Routine screenplay
• Less surprise
• Repetitive pattern
• Limited high points

Story

Mardaani 3 opens with the abduction of two young girls from a rural village. Believed to be from a poor background, the case is initially treated as another ignored statistic until it is revealed that one of the girls is the daughter of a powerful government official.

Parallelly, the film introduces Shivani Shivaji Roy in a high-risk operation, busting an international drug-trafficking ring involving women and minors. The introduction establishes her not as a heroic figure, but as a cop constantly walking into a filthy society that prefers to ignore.

When the kidnapping case reaches her desk, Shivani begins an investigation that uncovers a disturbing underworld operating under the guise of a beggar network. At the centre of this system is a woman known as Amma, who exploits abducted children, turning suffering into profit.

As the investigation deepens, a horrifying truth emerges the children are not merely being trafficked, but used in illegal medical experiments. The case takes a tragic turn when the influential official’s daughter is found dead, while the other girl survives, revealing that this crime cuts across class, not just poverty.

Before Shivani can fully expose the network, she is unofficially suspended due to political pressure. Refusing to step back, she continues the investigation off the books with a small trusted team.

The final act exposes the true mastermind operating above Amma, someone protected by power, money, and the system itself. In a brutal climax, Shivani dismantles the network, kills Amma, and brings down the man behind it, rescuing the remaining children.

The film closes not with celebration, but with a warning, leaving behind a clear lead for Mardaani 4, suggesting the battle is far from over.

Direction

The direction in Mardaani 3 stays firmly rooted in the cinematic language established in the first two films. The filmmaker once again avoids commercial shortcuts; there are no glam shots, no background-score-driven heroism, and no attempt to convert Shivani Shivaji Roy into a larger-than-life cop.

Much like Mardaani and Mardaani 2, the storytelling relies on realism: quiet tension, uncomfortable silences, and scenes that allow brutality to sink in rather than explode on screen. The camera often lingers instead of cutting away, forcing the audience to sit with the horror instead of escaping it.

The investigative portions are staged with procedural honesty. Interrogations feel restrained, fieldwork feels exhausting, and the emotional weight comes from accumulation rather than dramatic twists. This continuity makes the film feel tonally consistent with the franchise.

However, the familiarity is also the film’s biggest limitation.

After two installments, the directorial approach begins to feel predictable. Certain beats the discovery scene, the moral confrontation, the emotional pause before retaliation unfold exactly as expected. The film rarely takes visual or narrative risks, choosing safety over experimentation.

While this keeps the seriousness intact, it also prevents Mardaani 3 from reaching the raw impact of Mardaani 2. The direction maintains intensity but doesn’t escalate it.

Still, the director deserves credit for not diluting the franchise. Even in its safer moments, the film never loses its moral spine. It remains focused on victims rather than spectacle, a choice that preserves the soul of Mardaani, even if it limits its evolution.

Screenplay

The screenplay of Mardaani 3 remains engaging throughout, largely because the narrative never loses momentum. The investigation moves steadily, scenes transition smoothly, and the emotional stakes keep the audience invested.

However, the major drawback lies in its predictability.

Most narrative turns can be anticipated well before they unfold. The placement of twists follows familiar patterns, making several reveals feel expected rather than shocking. Instead of surprising the audience, the screenplay often confirms what they have already guessed.

The dialogues further contribute to this predictability. Many lines feel easily assumable, with conversations heading toward outcomes that are apparent even before they are spoken. As a result, moments that were meant to land as impactful occasionally lose their intensity.

While the intent behind the writing is strong, the lack of narrative misdirection weakens the tension. The film tells its story clearly, sometimes too clearly, leaving little room for uncertainty or psychological unpredictability.

In a franchise known for disturbing realism, the screenplay plays it safe when it needed to take sharper risks.

Music & Sound Design

The music and background score in Mardaani 3 work effectively in building tension. The score complements the film’s dark tone, especially during investigation sequences, where it subtly heightens unease without overpowering the visuals.

Unlike commercial thrillers, the music is used with restraint, allowing silence and ambient noise to carry emotional weight. This approach suits the grounded nature of the franchise and supports the seriousness of the narrative.

However, the sound design does not always match the strength of the background score.

At several points, the layering of ambient sounds feels inconsistent. Certain scenes that demanded deeper atmospheric immersion, particularly in tense or emotionally heavy moments, lacked the sonic impact needed to fully pull the audience in.

While the score elevates the film, the overall sound design misses opportunities to intensify realism and dread.

Strong music, decent background score, but sound design could have pushed the experience further.

Performance

Rani Mukerji delivers a controlled and restrained performance as Shivani Shivaji Roy. She remains convincing in the role, maintaining the authority and seriousness that the character demands.

However, the performance does not reach the intensity seen in Mardaani 2. While she is effective in emotional and investigative scenes, fewer moments truly stand out or leave a lasting impact.

The portrayal feels familiar, competent, and steady, but lacking the raw edge that once made the character deeply unsettling. Instead of elevating the film, the performance blends into the narrative.

It works for the story, but it doesn’t redefine the character.

Final Verdict

Mardaani 3 stays true to the franchise’s soul. It is serious, socially relevant, and emotionally rooted, refusing to dilute its intent for commercial comfort. The film succeeds in keeping the audience engaged and reminds us once again why the Mardaani series stands apart from typical cop thrillers.

However, the film also plays it safe.

With a predictable screenplay, easily anticipated dialogues, and familiar narrative turns, it lacks the shock value and raw intensity that made Mardaani 2 deeply unsettling. While the direction remains consistent and the background score effective, the film rarely surprises.

Rani Mukerji delivers a steady performance, but not one that elevates the film beyond its limitations. The intent is powerful, but the execution doesn’t fully push boundaries.

Mardaani 3 is a good film, necessary, sincere, and watchable, but it doesn’t redefine the franchise. It reinforces what already exists instead of taking it to the next level.

Rating: 3 / 5
A Review by Gideon Jotham