Prakambanam review: A riotous romp through the halls of horror

The specific sub-genre of "Men’s Hostel Horror-Comedy" is fast becoming a staple of Malayalam cinema, offering a distinct and energetic vibe. Following the trail blazed by hits such as Romancham and Adi Kapyare Kootamani, director Vijesh Panathur’s offering, Prakambanam, is a veritable festival of entertainment. Presented by Navarasa Films and Karthik Subbaraj’s acclaimed Stone Bench Studio, this film is a delightful cocktail of scares and satire.

The premise is deceptively simple. Set against the backdrop of student elections in a Kochi college, the narrative centres on a room in the local boys' hostel. Here, the central trio—Sidhu, Punyalan, and Shankaran —find their boisterous bachelor existence interrupted by a supernatural presence. Their subsequent quest to uncover the source of the haunting forms the crux of the film, blending traditional horror tropes with uproarious comedy.

Frightfully funny

Where Prakambanam distinguishes itself is in its treatment of fear. Unlike standard genre fare that relies on jump scares to terrify, this film uses the protagonists' terror as a vehicle for comedy. The ghost itself is not the source of the entertainment; rather, it is the hysterical reactions of the petrified trio that had the cinema audience in stitches.

The cast is led superbly by Sagar Surya, who is undoubtedly the show-stealer. Shedding the menacing skin of his villainous turns in Kuruthi and Pani, Surya reveals impeccable comic timing. He is ably supported by Ganapathi and Ameen, both of whom stamp their unique authority on the humorous proceedings. The film also features veteran actress Mallika Sukumaran in a role quite unlike anything she has tackled before, adding significant weight to the ensemble.

A special mention must go to Rajesh Madhavan, whose portrayal of the eccentric character "Stanislavski" is a highlight. The character is so engaging that one wouldn't be surprised if a spin-off feature is already in the works.

Clean comedy and satire

Perhaps the film’s greatest triumph belongs to screenwriter Sreehari Vadakkan. In an industry where comedy often leans on innuendo, Vadakkan has rewritten the rulebook. Prakambanam is devoid of "double-meaning" jokes or vulgarity. Instead, the script employs sharp satire to poke fun at moral policing, religious fervour, and communism, all whilst maintaining a family-friendly tone. The decision to have the main characters speak in the Kannur dialect adds an authentic, earthy charm to the dialogue.

Technically, the film is well-served by Bibin Ashok’s songs and a background score by Sankar Sharma that complements the on-screen chaos perfectly.

The verdict

Prakambanam is a film that invites you to leave your worries at the door. It is a simple, powerful entertainer designed for collective laughter and applause. If you are looking for a cinema experience that delivers pure unadulterated joy, this ghostly caper is well worth the price of admission.