Vadakkan

Synopsis

"Vadakkan," starring Kishore and released in 2025, is a gripping Malayalam drama that explores the intricate lives and moral dilemmas of its characters set against the backdrop of Kerala’s vibrant culture. The film delves into themes of tradition, honor, and the struggles of modern identity, weaving a narrative that is both introspective and engaging. Kishore delivers a compelling performance, bringing depth and nuance to his role as a man caught between the expectations of his community and his own aspirations. With its evocative cinematography and a haunting musical score, "Vadakkan" offers a rich portrayal of societal dynamics, making it a thought-provoking cinematic journey.

Cast

• 

  Kishore

  Raman Perumalayan

• 

  Shruthy Menon

  Megha Nambiar

• 

  Merin Philip

  Anna Joseph

• 

  Meenakshi Unnikrishnan

  Meera

• 

  Kalesh Ramanand

  Narayanan

• 

  Maala Parvathi

  Ayesha

Reviews

"Vadakkan" has been met with generally positive reviews from critics, praised especially for its storytelling and Kishore's nuanced portrayal of the central character. On IMDb, the film holds a respectable rating of 7.6/10, reflecting widespread audience appreciation. Reviews on Rotten Tomatoes highlight the film's "deep emotional resonance and cultural authenticity," although some critique its pacing as slow in parts. Metacritic summarises the movie with a score indicating generally favorable reviews, noting the film's "thoughtful script and compelling performances" as standout elements. The Hindu praised the director’s ability to capture the essence of Kerala’s social fabric, while The Times of India called it "a poignant exploration of personal and societal conflicts with a memorable lead performance." However, a few reviews pointed out that the film’s heavy focus on dialogue-driven scenes might not appeal to all viewers. Overall, "Vadakkan" is recognized for its cinematic craftsmanship and its insightful look at tradition and personal struggle, making it a noteworthy contribution to contemporary Malayalam cinema.

See also

Titanic

Shutter Island

Spider-Man: No Way Home

Ex Machina