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Padakkalam Movie Review: A magical campus ride filled with laughs and friendship

June 12, 2025

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Padakkalam Review

Padakkalam is a fun-filled Malayalam fantasy comedy that brings magic to the classroom and laughter to the audience. With an unusual mix of black magic and campus politics, it offers a refreshing experience, especially for fans of light-hearted entertainers. Here’s our honest and spoiler-free Padakkalam movie review.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 stars)
Genre: Comedy-Fantasy

Release Date, Director, and Cast

Cast of Padakkalam: Suraj Venjaramoodu, Sharaf U Dheen, Sandeep Pradeep, Saafboi, Arun Pradeep, Arun Ajikumar, Niranjana Anoop.
Release Date: 8 May 2025
Director: Manu Swaraj
Language: Malayalam

Story of Padakkalam

Set in an engineering college, Padakkalam follows four close-knit students—Jithin, Kannan, Ramsad, and Nakul—who are obsessed with comic books and pop culture. Their normal student life takes an unexpected turn when a new professor, Ranjith (played by Suraj Venjaramoodu), joins the faculty and replaces the beloved Shaji (played by Sharaf U Dheen) as the Head of Department.

However, something strange begins to happen on campus. Shaji begins to behave oddly. The twist? It turns out Ranjith has secretly used an ancient magical board to swap bodies with Shaji—yes, a full-blown body swap through black magic! Now it’s up to the students to uncover the truth, reverse the spell, and bring everything back to normal before their final year turns into a disaster.

This mix of supernatural elements with relatable student life makes the Padakkalam Malayalam movie both entertaining and quirky.

Performances & Characters

Suraj Venjaramoodu and Sharaf U Dheen steal the show with their clever portrayal of swapped personalities. Their body-swap performances are both convincing and hilarious. Sandeep Pradeep as Jithin delivers a grounded, earnest performance as the student trying to fix the mess.

The chemistry among the student gang—played by Saafboi, Arun Pradeep, and Arun Ajikumar—adds warmth and natural comedy. Niranjana Anoop also plays a key part in the film, adding emotional depth to the group’s journey.

Music & Visual Style

The campus setting is vibrant and cheerful, creating a perfect backdrop for this kind of fantasy comedy. The cinematography highlights both the fun college life and the mysterious, magical moments with equal flair.

Composer Rajesh Murugesan brings the film alive with an upbeat and energetic soundtrack. The background score elevates many scenes, especially the comic chases and magical discoveries, without ever feeling overpowering.

Theatrical Release of Padakkalam

Padakkalam hit theatres across India on 8 May 2025, bringing a dose of fantasy and fun to the big screen. The film also had a staggered international rollout—releasing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on 15 May 2025 and later in the UK and Ireland on 23 May 2025.

Padakkalam OTT Release

For those who missed the theatrical run, Padakkalam became available to stream on JioHotstar starting 10 June 2025. The OTT release helped the film reach a wider audience, especially among younger viewers who enjoy light, fantasy-based comedies at home.

Padakkalam Box Office Collection

Made on a modest budget of ₹7.5 crore, Padakkalam had a slow start but picked up with strong word-of-mouth. It earned around ₹16.66 crore in India (net) and ₹18.7 crore worldwide, finishing with a lifetime gross of ₹19.6 crore. The film turned out to be a surprise hit despite limited promotion.

Final Verdict:

To wrap up this Padakkalam movie review, here’s the takeaway: the film is a fun, simple, and magical college adventure. It doesn’t take itself too seriously—and that’s exactly why it works. With strong performances, a refreshing storyline, and the right touch of magic, Padakkalam offers a break from intense dramas and gives us something new.

Who should watch it? If you enjoy supernatural comedies, college-life stories, or just want a cheerful, offbeat film to relax with—Padakkalam is for you.

FAQs

1. What is the story of Padakkalam Malayalam movie?

Padakkalam is a fantasy-comedy set in an engineering college where four students discover that their new professor has used black magic to swap bodies with another teacher. The film revolves around their hilarious efforts to uncover the truth and reverse the magical mess.

2. Who are the lead actors in Padakkalam?

The movie stars Suraj Venjaramoodu, Sharaf U Dheen, Sandeep Pradeep, Saafboi, Arun Pradeep, Arun Ajikumar, and Niranjana Anoop in key roles.

3. Who directed the Padakkalam Malayalam film?

Padakkalam was directed by Manu Swaraj, marking his debut as a feature film director.

4. When was Padakkalam released in theatres?

The film was released in Indian cinemas on 8 May 2025, followed by international releases in GCC countries on 15 May and the UK and Ireland on 23 May 2025.

5. Where can I watch Padakkalam online?

You can watch Padakkalam on JioHotstar. It premiered on the OTT platform on 10 June 2025.

6. Is this the best fantasy-comedy of 2025?

While it may not be a blockbuster, Padakkalam stands out for its originality, making it a highlight in the Malayalam comedy-fantasy space of 2025. This Padakkalam movie review aims to help you decide if it fits your movie night vibe!

7. What is the box office collection of Padakkalam?

The movie grossed around ₹16.66 crore (India net) and ₹18.7 crore worldwide, with a lifetime gross of ₹19.6 crore, making it a profitable small-budget film.

8. What genre is Padakkalam?

Padakkalam is a fantasy-comedy with elements of supernatural magic, college life, and body-swapping.

9. Is Padakkalam worth watching?

Yes, if you’re looking for a light-hearted Malayalam movie with a quirky concept, relatable characters, and some magical fun, Padakkalam is worth a watch.

10. What is the meaning of the title ‘Padakkalam’?

While “Padakkalam” literally translates to “battlefield” in Malayalam, in this movie it metaphorically represents the chaotic, unpredictable world of final-year college life, with a magical twist.