Pravinkoodu Shappu (2025) English Subtitle - A Toddy Shop Mystery With a Twist

Pravinkoodu Shappu (2025) English Subtitle - A Toddy Shop Mystery With a Twist

Pravinkoodu Shappu (2025) English Subtitle - Black Comedy Meets Murder Mystery

Sreeraj Sreenivasan makes a bold directorial debut with Pravinkoodu Shappu, a Malayalam-language black comedy crime thriller that explores the murky layers of human nature through a bizarre and gripping investigation. With stellar performances and technical finesse, the film presents a unique murder mystery set within the walls of a toddy shop—a locale rarely explored with such gritty, immersive storytelling.

The story unfolds in a rain-soaked Thrissur night, where 11 patrons stay behind in a toddy shop playing cards and drinking, only to wake up to the shocking sight of the shop owner, Komban Babu (played by Shivajith), found hanging. SI Santhosh C.J. (Basil Joseph) arrives to interrogate each of the remaining individuals, including Kannan, a quirky waiter and failed magician portrayed brilliantly by Soubin Shahir. The narrative oscillates between dark humor, sharp suspense, and emotional undertones, slowly peeling back the layers behind the seemingly accidental death.

Chemban Vinod Jose as Suni, an ex-military man turned real estate agent, adds gravity and wit to the ensemble. The supporting cast—Chandini Sreedharan, Shabareesh Varma, Niyas Backer, and others—delivers strong performances that ground the film in authenticity.

Cinematographer Shyju Khalid captures the claustrophobic tension inside the toddy shop with visual flair, while editor Shafique Mohamed Ali keeps the pacing tight despite the film's 149-minute runtime. The background score and soundtrack by Vishnu Vijay elevate the eerie yet humorous tone. Songs like “Shavathkuth” and “Shaap Shooter” perfectly match the film’s mood.

Despite its creative strengths and critical praise for technical departments, the film’s script is where it stumbles. While the central mystery is engaging, the screenplay occasionally meanders, and some character arcs feel underdeveloped. Mixed reviews from critics and an underwhelming box office performance (₹5.36 crore against a ₹18 crore budget) suggest that while Pravinkoodu Shappu may not have been a commercial hit, it stands out for its experimental spirit.

A crime thriller with layers of black comedy and psychological drama, Pravinkoodu Shappu is a gutsy, offbeat watch for lovers of Malayalam cinema who appreciate genre-bending narratives.

--Pravinkoodu Shappu (2025) English Subtitle--