Sumathi Valavu Movie Review: Malayalam Horror Comedy 2025
Sumathi Valavu: A Unique Blend of Horror, Comedy, and Folklore in Malayalam Cinema
Sumathi Valavu, released on August 1, 2025, is one of the latest offerings in Malayalam cinema that strives to blend horror, comedy, and elements of local folklore into a single cinematic experience. Directed by Vishnu Sasi Shankar and scripted by Abhilash Pillai, the film features an ensemble cast led by Arjun Ashokan, Malavika Manoj, Sidharth Bharathan, Gokul Suresh, Balu Varghese, Saiju Kurup, Sshivada, and Deva Nandha.
Premise and Inspiration
The narrative is inspired by real-life legends surrounding a notorious curve called “Sumathi Valavu” in Mylamoodu, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The spot is said to be haunted by the spirit of Sumathi, a pregnant woman brutally murdered by her lover in the 1950s. Over the decades, this haunting has cultivated a wealth of supernatural tales in the local community. The film takes creative liberties with this lore, infusing it with both horror and comic sensibilities, while also playing on the idea that stories of haunting were sometimes used to facilitate or conceal illegal activities in the area.
Synopsis
Set largely in the 1990s in a village bordering Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the film introduces us to the community living near Sumathi Valavu—a bend infamous for ghostly encounters. The locals believe the road is cursed after the tragic killing of Sumathi. Anyone traveling this road at night is believed to be at risk, and only a handful have ever survived an encounter. The lead character, Appu (Arjun Ashokan), finds himself at the center of the conflict, especially when he aides Mahesh’s (Gokul Suresh) sister in eloping, leading to an inter-family feud. Appu’s subsequent romance with Mahesh’s cousin Bhama (Malavika Manoj) brings together new relationships, old grudges, and the ever-looming legend of Sumathi’s spirit.
The movie opens with a chilling flashback to the 1960s, establishing the haunting. As the plot shifts between supernatural happenings and the tangled relationships of the villagers, the narrative explores how folklore shapes the lives (and fears) of those at its center. The film does not shy away from injecting humor in tense situations, often using the eccentricities of village life to provide comic relief amidst the spookiness.
Cast and Characters
- Arjun Ashokan as Appu, the protagonist whose actions inadvertently deepen the mystery and family tensions.
- Malavika Manoj as Bhama, Appu’s love interest, who becomes entangled in the supernatural as well as family disputes.
- Sidharth Bharathan as Chemban, the local expert on the Sumathi myth who refuses to dismiss the haunting.
- Gokul Suresh as Mahesh, the army officer with a personal vendetta.
- Balu Varghese, Saiju Kurup, Lal, Sshivada, Deva Nandha, and others (including cameo appearances).
Technical Details
- Director: Vishnu Sasi Shankar
- Writer: Abhilash Pillai
- Producer: Murali Kunnumpurath (Waterman Films LLP) with Gokulam Gopalan as co-producer
- Cinematography: Dinesh Purushothaman
- Editing: Shafique Mohamed Ali
- Music: Ranjin Raj
The cinematography captures the eerie rural nightscape effectively, using shadow and silence to evoke unease. The music by Ranjin Raj enhances tense sequences but also adds folk flavors during lighter moments.
Critical Reception
Reactions to Sumathi Valavu have been mixed. The film was praised for its intriguing setting and strong opening sequences that establish a chilling atmosphere. Critics drew comparisons to cult Malayalam films with similar mythic settings, noting that the film’s world-building, while ambitious, sometimes struggled to maintain narrative focus. Some found the horror and comedy elements unevenly balanced, with the plot occasionally drifting away from the central mystery. Despite these shortcomings, the performances—especially by Sidharth Bharathan and Balu Varghese—were highlighted for bringing energy to the screen.
Public reviews reflect a similar sentiment, with audience members enjoying the unique attempt to blend genres, although some cited patchy writing and underdeveloped subplots. Nevertheless, the film’s backdrop and supernatural premise keep viewers engaged