Kalamkaval on OTT: Why you should watch Mammootty’s serial killer movie on streaming

Malayalam megastar Mammootty once again proved that there are seldom few stars who can make really bold script choices with his latest film Kalamkaval, which portrayed him as a sinister serial killer. Jithik K Jose directed Kalamkaval, which is set to make its much-awaited OTT debut on SonyLiv via OTTplay Premium. From Mammootty’s menacing avatar to Mujeeb Majeed’s retro moody song, here’s why you should watch Kalamkaval on streaming.

Why you should watch Mammootty’s Kalamkaval on OTT

Mammootty in a serial killer avatar

The moment it was revealed that Mammootty, a veteran actor who has been impressing us for over 4 decades, would be seen in a serial killer role, the film held viewers’ attention. Mammootty plays Stanley Das with a creepily chilling tone that will get underneath your skin with the sheer clinicality with which he eliminates each victim. This is not the first time we have seen Mammootty in a negative character, but he is menacing just the same.

Also read: Kalamkaval review: Mammootty’s venomous turn drives this slow-burn study of a serial killer's mind and method

A slow-burn thriller

Written and helmed by Jithin K Jose in his directorial debut, Kalamkaval slowly builds its case. Cop Jayakrishnan, who is out to find the cause of a communal tension, comes across a missing case. He finds more such instances with the victims oscillating between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. As he pieces together the puzzle, he realises the handiwork of a cunning serial killer. The film mounts each scene with clarity, slowly building suspense and adding mystery to the proceedings.

Strong villain meets solid hero

Malayalam actor Vinayakan gets to play the ‘hero’ cop role in the movie, which has Mammootty as the villain. It takes Malayalam cinema to come up with such a casting as fewer industries would experiment with such a lead cast. And Vinayakan with his quiet assertion and determination is the perfect foil to Stanley Das, relentless in his pursuit.

Kalamkaval's moody soundtrack

Even though a thriller, Kalamkaval also features the addictive song ‘Nilaa Kaayum’, which perfectly captures the vibe of an earlier era. The song is also crucial to the narrative as it is a favourite of our villain. Mujeeb Majeed has composed the song with Sindhu Delson rendering the vocals. The moody background score of the film also adds to the tension.

Also read: After serial killer in Kalamkaval, Mammootty to play local gangster in Nithish Sahadev's next set along Kerala-Tamil Nadu border? 

Kalamkaval movie FAQs

Q. Is Kalamkaval a real story?

A. Kalamkaval is not entirely a real story. The Mammootty film is based on a serial killer named Cyanide Mohan, but the movie alters the true story.

Q. Where can I watch Kalamkaval?

A. You can watch Mammootty's Kalamkaval on SonyLiv via OTTplay Premium from January 16, 2026. 

Q. Who is the villain in Kalamkaval?

A. Malayalam megastar Mammootty plays the villain in the Kalamkaval movie, which stars actor Vinayakan as a cop.