Pravinkoodu Shappu movie review: On the surface, Basil Joseph and Soubin Shahir’s movie seems like a murder mystery, almost with a Hercule Poirot vibe. But it’s way more than that.
Last Updated: 03.53 PM, Jan 16, 2025
Pravinkoodu Shappu story: After Babu is found hanging in his toddy shop, those inside the premises lock themselves in till the cops arrive. But a scuffle that breaks out further messes up the crime scene, making it tougher for the sharp sub-inspector, Santhosh CJ, to investigate the case that he surmises is a murder. The latter goes about questioning the suspects to know what really transpired. But is the culprit smarter than the cop?
Pravinkoodu Shappu review: The opening scene of debutant director Sreeraj Sreenivasan’s Pravinkoodu Shappu has the classic song Thumbi Vaa, which connects people to the innocence of childhood. Maanathu Maamante Thalikayil... Maamunnaan Pokaamo Namukku Ini – never would you think that these lines would be the perfect fit for such a disturbing sequence.
What you see on screen while the tune plays, is a man getting hung to death as rain pours outside. It’s easy to overlook this as just a coincidence, with toddy shops often playing old Malayalam songs. Hardly would you think that these two minutes carry the essence of the actions that led to the development onscreen. That’s the beautiful deception that Sreeraj employs gloriously throughout Pravinkoodu Shappu.
On the surface, the movie seems like a murder mystery, almost with a Hercule Poirot vibe. At the center of it is a murder at a toddy shop and a dozen suspects, who lock themselves up at the scene of the crime right after they find its owner hanging. Enter, young sub inspector Santhosh CJ, who prides himself on cracking cases with his razor-sharp wit instead of violence. But this case, in particular, reminds him of his childhood trauma, making it personal and also redemptive in a way, as he takes it up to overcome it.
The suspects in this case range from an ex-military man and a toddy shop worker to a bunch of geriatric alcoholics and hooligans who have had previous run-ins with the law. As Santhosh goes about dissecting the individual versions of the events that transpired and applies to his shrewd intellect, the audience is presented with various pieces of the puzzle that they can put together. It’s hardly predictable and yet at times can test your patience, but the final hour of the film makes it deceptively good and darkly comic.
Basil Joseph portrays the mental agony that his character is wringing with, with utmost precision. The character’s complexity makes the investigator as interesting as the case he is investigating. While playing such a role and doing comedy, it’s easy to sometimes miss the mark; but Basil keeps the balance – ensuring that he doesn’t lose intensity despite the laughter elicited. The same is the plight of Soubin’s character Kannan, Chemban Vinod’s Sunil, and Chandhini Sreedharan’s Merinda, and the actors keep you guessing about each other’s intentions. More about each of the cast would be a spoiler, but it’s their performances including that of Shivajith, who plays the toddy shop owner, as well as the senior cop that make Pravinkoodu Shappu engaging even when the narrative becomes uneven at places.
Vishnu Vijay’s music not only elevates the proceedings, it also adds extra layers to the film. The cinematography, despite a large portion of the movie unfolding in a dimly lit toddy shop, is visually engaging. The writing by Sreeraj is precise, and this is also what would warrant the movie a rewatch, to connect the dots better and appreciate each of its characters.
Pravinkoodu Shappu verdict: Sreeraj Sreenivasan makes a stellar debut with this riveting murder mystery where the sleight of hand and secrets unfold while keeping the emotions and humor intact. The performances and music further elevate its magic.