Language: Malayalam
Age Rating: U/A (Suitable for viewers above 13 years)
Genre: Dark Comedy / Mystery
Sivaprasad’s Maranamass is a wild and whimsical take on the dark comedy genre, led by the ever-charismatic Basil Joseph. With a story steeped in absurdity and mystery, the film offers a refreshing break from formulaic storytelling. Blending murder, romance, grief, and a bus full of quirky characters, Maranamass is a chaotic ride that aims for laughs, surprises, and a touch of emotional depth.
Plot Overview
Set in a sleepy Kerala village plagued by a serial killer dubbed the banana killer, Maranamass follows Luke PP (Basil Joseph), a misfit often blamed for every mishap in town—from school fires to political scandals. When elderly villagers start turning up dead, all eyes are on Luke.
Enter a diverse group of oddballs: Aruvi (Siju Sunny), a bus conductor grieving his missing father; Jikku (Suresh Krishna), a driver excited about his late-in-life marriage; and Jessy (Anishma Anikumar), Luke’s unimpressed ex-girlfriend. Their paths intersect on a night bus ride—complete with a corpse—leading to hilariously unpredictable outcomes.
Check Out: Maranamass Trailer Review: A High-Octane Mix of Comedy and Chaos
What Works
✅ Basil Joseph’s Comedy Timing
Basil’s effortless portrayal of Luke PP anchors the film. His unique energy, expressions, and comic flair drive much of the film’s humour and heart.
✅ Eccentric Characters & Absurd Situations
From pre-wedding cemetery shoots to erotic novel-obsessed grandparents, the film excels in delivering laugh-out-loud scenarios and colorful personalities.
✅ Strong Ensemble Performances
Every major character, including Aruvi, Jikku, and Jessy, has their moment to shine. Rajesh Madhavan as the eerie killer adds another layer of intrigue and dark humor.
✅ Originality & Quirkiness
The film dares to be different, offering a unique blend of small-town drama, slapstick comedy, and unexpected emotional beats.
What Falls Short
❌ Second-Half Slump
The narrative loses momentum in the latter half with too many subplots, including an unnecessary missing dog storyline that distracts from the core plot.
❌ Uneven Pacing
While the first half is tight and engaging, the second half could have benefited from sharper editing and a more focused storyline.
Performances
🎭 Basil Joseph (Luke PP): A standout performance packed with energy, charm, and comic brilliance.
🎭 Siju Sunny (Aruvi): Delivers a heartfelt and grounded performance as a man torn by personal loss.
🎭 Suresh Krishna (Jikku): Adds humor and innocence with his delight over his upcoming marriage.
🎭 Anishma Anikumar (Jessy): Holds her ground in a male-dominated narrative and shines in the climax.
🎭 Rajesh Madhavan: Creepy and compelling as the serial killer, bringing balance to the comedy.
Technical Aspects
🎥 Cinematography: Neeraj Revi captures the village’s chaotic charm and the night-time bus scenes with flair.
🎵 Music: JK’s quirky score elevates the film’s off-beat vibe, supporting both the comedy and suspense.
✂️ Editing: Chaman Chakko could have trimmed down the second half, but the overall structure holds up.
🎬 Direction: Sivaprasad crafts a delightfully bizarre world with confident storytelling and fresh ideas.
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
Maranamass is a bold and entertaining entry in the realm of Malayalam dark comedies. While the second half loses a bit of steam, the film’s eccentric characters, wild humour, and Basil Joseph’s magnetic performance make it a ride worth taking. With laugh-out-loud moments and a few surprising emotional twists, Maranamass delivers a memorable experience.
If you enjoy quirky comedies that break the mold, Maranamass is a must-watch. Just don’t expect a linear ride—embrace the madness!