Vadakkan (2025) – Malayalam’s Paranormal Thriller

Vadakkan, directed by Sajeed A., marks a bold step as one of the first modern Malayalam paranormal thrillers. The movie, which stars Kishore and Shruthy Menon, debuted in theaters on March 7, 2025, and it will be available on OTT platforms like Aha and OTTplay Premium on May 5, 2025.

Plot & Atmosphere

Vadakkan combines investigative drama and folklore in a setting with picturesque backwaters in the Western Ghats. Midway through, a reality show’s setup for an investigation leads to paranormal activity. The technical aspects are praised—especially the sound design by Oscar-winner Resul Pookkutty and cinematography by Keiko Nakahara—which elevate its eerie ambiance

Critics & Audience Response

Overall reception is mixed to positive:

• OTTplay gave it a 3/5, highlighting its technical excellence and chilling final act, though noting sluggish pacing early on and somewhat artificial dialogue delivery

• IMDb reviews skew negative, calling it “an absolute disaster” with poor pacing and performance

• Reddit reactions blend disappointment and intrigue:

  “Zyada jagah pe toh flat pad gaya aur puri movie predictable thi… Par yeh Malabar folklore ko lekar rasna tha.”

Verdict

Vadakkan doesn’t reinvent horror, but it offers a refreshing regional twist. For viewers drawn to folklore-infused thrillers and technical finesse, it’s worth a one‑time watch.

2. Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989) – The Timeless Classic

Also known as A Northern Story of Valor, this 1989 epic by T.  Hariharan is widely regarded as one of Malayalam cinema’s finest

Plot & Perspective

The narrative flips the traditional Vadakkan Pattukal folklore by portraying Chandu Chekavar (Mammootty) as a tragic and noble hero rather than a villain. The screenplay by M. T. Vasudevan Nair retains major ballad events—including Aromal’s death via a lamp spike—while humanizing Chandu

Legacy & Re-release

Originally released in 1989, the film swept awards: 4 National Film Awards, 8 Kerala State Film Awards, including Best Actor for Mammootty It re‑released in stunning 4K Dolby Atmos in February 2025, grossing ₹1.5 crore

Accolades & Impact

• National Awards: Best Actor (Mammootty), Best Screenplay, Production Design & Costume

• Filmfare South & Kerala State Awards: Multiple honors including Best Film and Direction

• Recognized as among India’s top films in a 2013 IBN poll

Why It Endures

Its layered storytelling, iconic performances, meticulous historical recreation, and culturally rooted themes have kept it relevant over decades. Its legacy is preserved by the re-release’s introduction to younger audiences.

3. Contrasting Two “Vadakkan” Visions

4. Should You Watch Them?

• For horror/thriller fans: Vadakkan offers a fresh regional tale with strong visual and auditory design. Ideal for first-time viewers, but don’t expect too much in terms of pacing or the authenticity of the dialogue.

• For lovers of classic cinema: Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha is essential. Its re-release gives an unmatched opportunity to experience its grandeur on the big screen once more.

5. Final Thoughts

“Vadakkan” (2025) brings folklore to life through a paranormal lens—technically accomplished but uneven in execution. “Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha”, however, remains a timeless gem—deeply crafted, emotionally complex, and celebrated as Malayalam cinema’s historical-mythic masterpiece.