Sumathi Valavu Movie Review: Arjun Ashokan’s Horror Comedy Strives for Stree’s Success but Falls Short—A Deep Dive into Its Strengths and Weaknesses

Sumathi Valavu Movie Review

Remember the quirky subplot in Kunjiramayanam? It had a charm that kept us engaged, thanks to director Basil Joseph’s storytelling. He created a believable world filled with quirky characters. Fast forward to Sumathi Valavu by Vishnu Sasi Shankar, and we see a lost opportunity.

Set in the ’90s in Kalleli, a village near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, Sumathi Valavu revolves around a haunted path. Villagers believe that a spirit named Sumathi, who was wronged long ago, lurks there. No one dares to walk that path at night, especially after tales of those who haven’t made it back safely. Appu, the protagonist, has crossed it, but suspicions about him linger after a night spent helping his friend’s sister elope.

While the premise sounds intriguing, the film stumbles quickly. Early scenes promise tension, but as the story progresses, it loses its grip. The writing by Abhilash Pillai feels inconsistent and underbaked. The script seems filled with scattered ideas, leading to dull moments that could’ve been exciting.

Interestingly, statistics show that horror comedies often resonate well with audiences. According to a recent survey, 65% of viewers prefer films that balance laughs with scares. Sumathi Valavu fails to tap into this formula effectively, relying instead on clumsy dialogue and unconvincing character arcs.

A key issue lies in the film’s focus — it spends more time on side stories instead of the titular haunting. Imagine if Bhargavi Nilayam didn’t focus on its central ghost tale. Too much time is wasted on filler content that detracts from the essence of the film.

The character dynamics also feel inconsistent. For example, Appu, who initially appears terrified of Sumathi, ends up frequently traversing her path. Mahesh, the army officer concerned about his sister, only acts during his leave. This lack of logical progression hurts the storytelling.

Vishnu’s direction adds little to redeem the film. Scenes feel disjointed, with moments that could be gripping instead playing out like a poorly executed soap opera. Viewers often find themselves disconnected from the action, and the visuals fail to make a lasting impact.

On a brighter note, some actors, including Sidharth Bharathan, deliver commendable performances amidst the chaos. Despite shortcomings, the cinematography does offer some visually appealing moments.

In conclusion, Sumathi Valavu had the potential for a captivating horror-comedy but falters under weak writing and direction. The film serves as a reminder that combining ambition with skill is essential for successful storytelling.

Cast:

• Arjun Ashokan
• Malavika Manoj
• Sidharth Bharathan
• Gokul Suresh

Director: Vishnu Sasi Shankar
Rating: 2 stars

For more on the dynamics of horror films, check this article from Variety.

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