Pravinkoodu Shappu is a 2025 Malayalam-language black comedy crime thriller directed by debutant Sreeraj Sreenivasan and produced by Anwar Rasheed. The film was released in theaters on January 16, 2025, and began streaming on SonyLIV on April 10, 2025. Set in a toddy shop named “Pravinkoodu Shappu,” the story unfolds on a rainy night when 11 patrons remain inside after closing time. The following day, the shop owner, Komban Babu, is found hanging, prompting an investigation led by SI Santhosh C. J., played by Basil Joseph. As the inquiry progresses, secrets unravel, and the line between truth and deception blurs.
The ensemble cast includes Soubin Shahir as Kannan, Chemban Vinod Jose as Suni, Chandini Sreedharan as Merinda, and Shabareesh Varma as Thotta Biju. Shyju Khalid’s cinematography and music by Vishnu Vijay enhance the film’s atmospheric tension. Despite its intriguing premise and strong performances, the film received mixed reviews, with critics noting that the screenplay’s complexity sometimes overshadowed its potential. Nevertheless, “Pravinkoodu Shappu” stands out for its unique blend of dark humor and crime thriller elements, offering a fresh take on the genre.
Release Date
- Theatrical Release: January 16, 2025
- OTT Release (SonyLIV): April 10, 2025
Cast and Crew
Main Cast:
- Soubin Shahir as Kannan – A former magician turned toddy shop worker.
- Basil Joseph as SI Santhosh CJ – The quirky sub-inspector investigating the case.
- Chemban Vinod Jose as Sony – A retired army man and local real estate agent.
- Chandini Sreedharan is Miranda – Kannan’s wife, who has a mysterious aura.
- Shivajith Padmanabhan as Kumban Babu – Owner of the toddy shop.
- Shabareesh Varma as Thotta Biju – A shady local businessman.
- Niya Baker as ‘Salon’ Ramakrishnan – The nosy barber and part-time singer.
Crew:
- Director: Sreejith Sreenivasan
- Writer: Akhil Anilkumar
- Producer: Shibu Thekkumpuram
- Music: Vishnu Vijay
- Cinematography: Shyju Khalid
Plot & Story
Imagine a sleepy Kerala village thick with rain, gossip, toddy, and secrets. That’s Pravinkoodu. On a stormy night, 11 locals get trapped inside a toddy shop due to flooding. What begins as a night of cards and cheap alcohol turns into a nightmare when the owner, Kumban Babu, is found dead by morning—hanging from the ceiling in what seems like a suicide. But things are never that simple.
Enter Sub-Inspector Santhosh CJ, played hilariously by Basil Joseph, who begins digging into the incident with his peculiar blend of lazy intelligence and accidental wit. As he interviews the 11 trapped men and the shop’s staff, layers unravel: betrayals, lies, secrets, and a past no one wants to revisit.
After much anticipation, Pravinkoodu Shappu hit theaters on January 16, 2025, and quickly became a word-of-mouth hit. With rising demand, SonyLIV acquired the OTT rights and released it digitally on April 10, 2025.
Genre & Tone
- Genre: Crime Comedy / Mystery Thriller
- Tone: Dark comedy, satire, with moments of emotional introspection.
The film smartly balances humor and suspense. The dialogue is sharp and full of local slang and wit, making it both entertaining and realistic. The comedic timing—especially of Soubin and Basil—is impeccable.
Breakdown
- Basil’s entry scene, falling into the toddy vat.
- Soubin is doing street magic tricks for a child, flashing back to his past.
- A chilling sequence where someone whispers, “You don’t know who he really was.”
- The final 5 seconds, with the lights going out and a scream piercing the silence.
Review & Analysis
What Works:
- Performances: Soubin and Basil steal the show. Their comic timing and chemistry light up every scene.
- Direction: Sreejith Sreenivasan crafts a layered narrative without losing pace or tone.
- Music: Vishnu Vijay’s score is atmospheric and local — the use of native instruments adds an authentic flair.
- Cinematography: The rainy village, the dimly lit toddy shop, the reflective puddles — it’s visually poetic.
- Writing: Sharp dialogues, regional flavor, and great character arcs.
What Could Be Better:
- Some viewers may find the first 30 minutes slow — it takes time to build the setting and characters.
- The climax, while satisfying, might feel too “twisty” for some.
Verdict:
4.3/5 Stars
A must-watch for lovers of brilliant regional cinema, quirky mysteries, and dark humor. It’s Malayalam cinema at its best — grounded, inventive, and proudly rooted in local culture.
Music & Soundtrack
- Composer: Vishnu Vijay
- Standout Tracks:
- “Thak Thak Toddy” is a catchy folk song that plays during the credits.
- “Mazha Katha” – A haunting melody during the flashback sequences.
- “Shappu Theme” – Instrumental, moody background score used during interrogation scenes.
Behind The Scenes & Trivia
- Real Toddy Shop: The movie was shot in an actual toddy shop in Kollam that closed in 2018.
- Improvised Dialogues: Many scenes were improvised on set, especially Soubin’s one-liners.
- Soubin’s Magic: The actor learned real magic tricks from a street magician for authenticity.
- Inspired by Real Events? Rumors suggest the story is loosely based on an actual incident from the 1990s in Kerala.
Themes & Symbolism
- Alcohol as metaphor: The toddy represents both intoxication and truth — when drunk, characters reveal their authentic selves.
- Rain: A symbol of cleansing and confusion — both literal and metaphorical.
- The Closed Room: A nod to classic murder mysteries like 12 Angry Men and Murder on the Orient Express.
Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pravinkoodu Shappu released?
The film was released in theaters on January 16, 2025.
Who directed the movie?
Sreeraj Sreenivasan made his directorial debut with this film.
What is the genre of the film?
It’s a black comedy crime thriller.
Who are the lead actors?
Basil Joseph, Soubin Shahir, and Chemban Vinod Jose play pivotal roles.
What is the central plot?
The story revolves around a murder investigation in a toddy shop where the owner is found dead after a night of drinking and card games.
Who composed the music for the film?
Vishnu Vijay composed the film’s soundtrack and background score.
Where was the film shot?
Filming took place in Thrissur and Ernakulam, Kerala.
How did critics receive the film?
The film received mixed reviews, with praise for performances and cinematography but criticism for its complex screenplay.
Is the film available on any OTT platforms?
Yes, it began streaming on SonyLIV on April 10, 2025.
What is the runtime of the movie?
The film has a runtime of approximately 149 minutes.
Conclusion
Pravinkoodu Shappu offers a distinctive blend of dark humor and crime thriller elements, set against the backdrop of a Kerala toddy shop. The film’s strength lies in its atmospheric setting, compelling performances, and the exploration of human behaviors under scrutiny. While the screenplay’s complexity may challenge some viewers, it also adds depth to the narrative, prompting audiences to engage actively with the unfolding mystery. The cinematography and music further enhance the film’s mood, immersing viewers in its unique world. Despite mixed critical reception, Pravinkoodu Shappu stands as a testament to Malayalam cinema’s willingness to experiment with genre and storytelling, offering a fresh perspective within the industry.