Vadakkan


Vadakkan is a 2025 Indian Malayalam-language supernatural thriller film directed by Sajeed A. and written by Unni R. It stars Kishore, Shruthy Menon and Merin Philip in the lead roles. It is produced by Jaideep Singh and Bhavya Nidhi Sharma under the banner Offbeet Studios. Keiko Nakahara handles the cinematography and Sooraj E. S. edits the film. Bijibal composed the songs and background score. Sound designed by Resul Pookutty and Robin Kunjukutty did the re-recording mix.
Vadakkan was an official selection at Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival and Salerno Film Festival. It was screened at Marché du Film on 21 May 2024. Vadakkan was released theatrically on 7 March 2025.

Plot

The story revolves around a paranormal investigator who approached to unravel a series of brutal murders on a reality television show, he uncovers dark secrets tied to an ancient cult ritual that dates back to the Indus Valley Civilisation of more than 4000 years ago. As he delves deeper, he comes face-to-face with a deadly spirit from Dravidian folklore, which plunges him into a world filled with terrifying revelations.

Cast

  • Kishore as Raman Perumalayan
  • Shruthy Menon as Megha Nambiar
  • Merin Philip as Anna Joseph
  • Krishna Sankar as R. K. Ravi
  • Kalesh Ramanand as Narayanan
  • Garggi Ananthan as Alina
  • Meenakshi Unnikrishnan as Meera
  • Maala Parvathi as Ayesha
  • Ravi Venkatraman as Joseph
  • Sirajudheen Nazar as Bejoy
  • Greeshma Alex as Tashu
  • Krisheka Patel as Lakshmi
  • Aryan Kathuria as Shambhu

    Music

The score for Vadakkan was composed by Bijibal. The soundtrack was composed by Bijibal and Zeb Bangash. The first single Kettingo was released on 17 February 2025. The second single Mayyath Rap released on 1 March 2025 and the third single Rang Likha released on 5 March 2025.

Release

Theatrical

Vadakkan was initially screened at Marché du Film, Cannes on 21 May 2024. The official trailer of the film was released on 21 February 2025. The film was released in theatres on 7 March 2025.

Home media

The digital streaming rights of Vadakkan's Malayalam, English, Tamil, Kannada versions were acquired by Amazon Prime Video and Telugu and Tamil versions by Aha.

Reception

Vadakkan received mixed to positive reviews from critics.
Anjana George of The Times of India gave 3/5 and wrote "It is a one-time watch for its technical brilliance and some genuinely eerie moments. But with stronger writing and a deeper exploration of the socio-cultural balancing act rooted in the caste history that Theyyam represents, it could have been so much more." Shilpa Nair Anand of The Hindu wrote "It is the kind of film that one has to pay close attention to because it is not a simple horror film with typical thrills, chills and sound effects. Which, by the way, there is plenty of in the film."

Accolades