Genre: Comedy, Thriller
Director: Salon Symon
Cast: Aju Varghese, Siddique, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Indrans, Sija Rose
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Rating: 2.5/5
Age Rating: U/A (Suitable for 12 years and above)

Padakuthira is a Malayalam comedy-thriller that attempts to satirize the world of media sensationalism but ultimately falls short due to outdated storytelling and lackluster performances.

Story & Performances

The film follows Nandakumar (Aju Varghese), the son of a once-revered newspaper magnate, who now struggles to maintain his father’s legacy. When a sensational reporter, Ravishankar (Suraj Venjaramoodu), enters the scene, the dynamics of the media empire begin to shift. The story attempts to explore themes of media ethics and the pursuit of sensationalism but does so in a manner that feels dated and uninspired.

Aju Varghese delivers a competent performance as Nandakumar, capturing the character’s internal conflict. However, the script doesn’t provide enough depth for the actor to fully immerse himself in the role. Suraj Venjaramoodu brings his usual charm to the role of Ravishankar, but the character’s arc lacks the complexity needed to make a significant impact. The supporting cast, including Siddique and Indrans, contribute solid performances but are constrained by the film’s predictable narrative.

Direction & Technical Aspects

Director Salon Symon, in his debut feature, attempts to blend comedy and thriller elements but struggles to find a cohesive tone. The pacing is uneven, and the transitions between comedic and dramatic scenes feel forced. The screenplay, penned by Deepu S. Nair and Sandeep Sadanandan, relies heavily on clichés and fails to offer fresh perspectives on the media industry.

Cinematographer Jiju Sunny captures the essence of the newsroom setting but doesn’t bring anything visually striking to the table. The music by Dhanush Harikumar and Vimaljith Vijayan is serviceable but doesn’t enhance the viewing experience.

What Worked:

Performances: Despite a lackluster script, the actors, especially Suraj Venjaramoodu and Aju Varghese, deliver performances that are engaging to watch, even if they don’t elevate the material significantly.
Theme: The attempt to highlight the ethical dilemmas in sensationalist journalism is a timely subject and resonates with current issues in media.
Humor: The comedy, though not groundbreaking, provides some light moments and offers a few chuckles throughout the film.

What Could Be Better:

Storytelling: The film’s narrative feels outdated and predictable. The satire lacks the sharpness needed to make a lasting impact and often falls back on tired clichés.
Character Depth: The characters, especially the antagonist, are not explored deeply enough. The motivations behind their actions feel shallow, and their arcs are underdeveloped.
Pacing & Tone: The film struggles to maintain a consistent tone, fluctuating between comedy and drama without finding a balance. This leaves the film feeling disjointed at times.
Visual Appeal: While the cinematography does the job, it doesn’t add any significant visual flair to the story. A more dynamic visual style could have enhanced the film’s impact.

Final Verdict

Padakuthira had the potential to be a sharp satire on the state of modern media but falls short due to its reliance on outdated tropes and lack of depth. While the performances are adequate, they are hindered by a script that doesn’t provide enough substance. The film may appeal to viewers seeking light entertainment but won’t resonate with those looking for a thought-provoking commentary on the media industry.