Overview: Haunted Tales Meet Small-Town Humor
Sumathi Valavu, directed by Vishnu Sasi Shankar and written by Abhilash Pillai, draws inspiration from a local folktale rooted in the haunted bends of Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district. The movie blends horror with comedy, starring Arjun Ashokan as the town’s reluctant hero Appu, caught in a ghostly mystery that intertwines with his own chaotic life.
While the premise offers a promising mix of regional legend and genre entertainment, the film struggles to maintain a consistent tone and falls short of standing out in an already crowded space of horror-comedies.
Plot: A Ghostly Road and a Lovable Troublemaker
The story revolves around Sumathi, a wronged spirit believed to haunt a specific stretch of road now bearing her name — “Sumathi Valavu.” The supernatural legend becomes personal for Appu, the local prankster and self-proclaimed coward, who begins to see visions and experience strange happenings tied to Sumathi’s tragic past. As his friends and community get pulled into the haunting, Appu must unravel the mystery behind Sumathi’s fate and face his own fears.
Despite a compelling setup, the plot stays on a predictable track, often relying on familiar tropes and comic relief rather than suspense or originality.
Performances and Characters
Arjun Ashokan as Appu
Arjun Ashokan delivers a naturally likable performance, carrying much of the film’s emotional and comedic weight. His expressions and comic timing keep the audience mildly entertained, even when the script doesn’t offer much support.
Supporting Cast
Actors like Bobby Kurian, Sshivada, Malavika Manoj, and Balu Varghese provide decent support, though many of their characters feel underused. Siddharth Bharathan, however, stands out in his limited role, adding some gravitas to an otherwise uneven narrative.
Direction, Music, and Visuals
The direction leans more toward comedy than genuine horror, and that imbalance affects the overall mood. The horror elements — including ghostly visions and jump scares — feel watered down and formulaic.
Ranjin Raj’s music is lively but occasionally out of sync with the tone of the scenes. The number of songs also slows down the pace, making parts of the movie feel unnecessarily stretched.
On a positive note, P.V. Shankar’s cinematography adds a touch of elegance, especially in capturing the misty mystery of the haunted road and the rural backdrop.
Final Verdict: Worth a Watch If Expectations Are Low
Sumathi Valavu isn’t groundbreaking, but it has enough charm to entertain undemanding viewers, especially families and youngsters looking for a light-hearted watch. If you’re expecting a chilling horror flick or a tightly-scripted comedy, this one may disappoint. But approached with modest expectations, it qualifies as a passable one-time watch.
Bullseye Rating:★★★ (3/5 stars)
The movie is currently in theatres.