Bollywood buffs, get ready for a total masala surprise from the South! “Padakkalam”, the Malayalam supernatural-comedy you probably hadn’t heard of—until now—is making dhamaka on JioHotstar (yes, with a Hindi dub too!). Think Power of Five meets Ghostbusters with a desi twist, and you’ve got the vibe. This isn’t your typical serious Malayalam thriller—it’s quirky, curious, and packed with mystery.
Originally released in Malayalam on May 8, Padakkalam is now streaming in Hindi, and it’s already turning heads. Unlike the gritty, grounded crime thrillers Kerala’s film world is famous for, this one dares to go full-on bizarre—in the best way possible. Supernatural board games? Check. College kids with a flair for trouble? Double check. And yep, a mysterious teacher who might just be into black magic.
What Does ‘Padakkalam’ Even Mean?
Let’s start there. The word Padakkalam literally translates to battlefield. Not the PUBG kind—but the kind where ideas, power, and curiosity clash. And trust us, this film brings that chaos with a comedic spin. Directed by Manu Swaraj, the movie runs a tight 2 hours and 5 minutes, and it doesn’t waste a single frame.
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We follow four spirited college students who stumble upon a strange game board—imagine a vintage chessboard but cursed. Whoever plays on it gets a creepy supernatural ability: control over someone else’s body. Wild, right? Add to that a mysterious professor who reeks of dark secrets, and things spiral quickly into a supernatural storm.
The Plot? Total Jadoo-Tona Vibes
It starts like any other college campus drama, until this spooky teacher shows up. Suddenly, the students are trapped in a sinister game. Each move on the board comes with power—but also danger. From playful pranks to possession-level chaos, this plot goes from 0 to OMG real fast.
Think of it like Stranger Things meets Student of the Year, with a low-key Malayalam flavor and a side of spiritual suspense. But it’s not all scare—you’ll be laughing out loud too. The script weaves humor and horror so smoothly, it keeps you on your toes.
Production Quality? Surprisingly Slick
Let’s give it to them—Padakkalam is built with heart. The animation in the opening scenes is clean and adds to the eerie setup without looking tacky. The suspense keeps building steadily, and the actors—though not household names to Bollywood fans—deliver some seriously convincing performances. These aren’t cardboard college kids—they feel real, messy, curious, and totally into the chaos they create.
#Padakkalam 😂😂😂😂 Theatre Experience for this Scene 💥💥💥pic.twitter.com/zcdr4uKexV
— Kerala Box Office (@KeralaBxOffce) June 10, 2025
But Wait… That Climax?
Here’s the catch. For a story that starts off with such a bang, the ending doesn’t quite pack the punch fans may expect. The final act feels a bit too safe, too rushed. It doesn’t live up to the intense buildup the movie worked so hard to create. Like when your favorite show ends a season on a filler episode—you’re into it, but you’re also yelling “That’s it?!”
Still, the journey? Total paisa vasool.
Should You Watch It?
If you’re tired of the same old rom-coms or gritty thrillers, Padakkalam offers a refreshing middle ground. It’s quirky, it’s spooky, it’s got a board game that’ll make you look twice at your Ludo set. Plus, the Hindi dubbing is sharp, with jokes that actually land. And no, there’s nothing “adults-only” in here—it’s clean, fun, and even family-friendly.
So, if you’re in the mood for something different, slightly bonkers, but totally entertaining—Padakkalam is a solid pick for your weekend binge. Just don’t blame us if you start looking at your college prof a little suspiciously after watching.
