Pravinkoodu Shappu is a clever blend of dark comedy and crime thriller that stays offbeat and gripping. It stars Basil Joseph in the lead role and is currently out on Sony LIV. The review is here. Check it out.
Story:
Set in the quaint village of Pravinkoodu, a night of merriment turns sinister when a notorious shop owner is discovered dead. SI Santhosh CJ (Basil Joseph) interrogates an eclectic group of 11 patrons, each harboring secrets, grudges, and hidden pasts. As the line between friend and foe blurs, a tangled web of betrayal and unexpected alliances surfaces.
Analysis:
The film opens with a visually jarring image—a man found hanging in a toddy shop—set against the oddly calming backdrop of an old song. That unexpected contrast sets the tone for the entire film: quirky yet unsettling, humorous yet grim.
Basil's calm demeanor and sharp mind drive the investigation forward as he navigates through a group of oddball suspects. The supporting cast is strong, with standout performances from Soubin Shahir in an emotionally layered role and Shivajith as the rough-edged Komban Babu. Chemban Vinod Jose and Chandini Sreedharan.
Debut director and writer Sreeraj Sreenivasan takes a bold narrative approach by employing a non-linear structure, which works well in maintaining suspense and gradually peeling back layers of each character. Rather than revealing everything at once, the film withholds just enough to keep you guessing. And just when you think you've got a grip on what’s happening, the final 30 minutes twist the narrative on its head.
Cinematographer Shyju Khalid masterfully captures the rustic yet tense ambiance of the toddy shop setting, making it almost a character of its own. The lighting, color palette, and framing all enhance the off-kilter tone. The background score adds tension and mood, although it occasionally overwhelms quieter scenes.
While the twists are satisfying, not every thread is tied up neatly. The true motive behind the murder remains slightly ambiguous, which may divide viewers.
Verdict:
Pravinkoodu Shappu is a fresh, stylishly told dark comedy thriller that’s full of character, suspense, and a good dose of unexpected humor. It doesn’t follow the usual template of a whodunit and benefits greatly from strong performances, particularly Basil Joseph in a refreshingly serious role. While the ending leaves a few things unresolved, the film is definitely worth a watch.
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