Watch Kinavalli

Kinavalli is a Malayalam-language horror-comedy film, directed by Sugeeth and starring Ajmal Zayn and Surabhi Santosh in the lead roles. The movie revolves around a group of friends who go on a trip to a village called Kinavalli in search of a haunted house. As soon as they reach the village, they experience paranormal activities that make them question their decision to explore the haunted house.

The movie begins with a group of youngsters, each with their unique quirks and personalities, setting out on a journey to explore a haunted house. The friends are thrilled and excited to spend the weekend in Kinavalli, even though it is a remote village far from the city. As they reach the village, they are welcomed by the locals, who seem friendly at first. But things take a spooky turn as they begin their journey towards the haunted house.

The first half of the film focuses on the group's interactions with the villagers and their experience of the paranormal activities. The filmmaker effectively uses eerie background music and sound effects to create a foreboding atmosphere. The team encounters sudden blackouts, strange voices, and mysterious events that threaten them every step of the way.

The second half of the film shifts gears from horror to comedy as the friends try to keep the spirits at bay. The film's humour is situational and not too forced, which makes it even more enjoyable to watch. The screenplay is smartly written, with a balance of humour and horror that does not take away from each other.

The performances by the actors are impressive and add to the movie's overall charm. Ajmal Zayn's portrayal of the nerdy, self-proclaimed ghost hunter is hilarious and relatable. Surabhi Santosh's performance, as the lead actress, is noteworthy, too, and she plays the role of a curious yet slightly scared young woman perfectly.

One of the film's highlights is its cinematography, which has effectively captured the haunting beauty of Kinavalli at night. The camerawork further raises the level of tension in certain scenes and leaves the audience on the edge of their seats.

The film's sound design plays a pivotal role in creating the right atmosphere. The sounds of footsteps, doors creaking, and the eerie noises in the background, often send a chill down the viewer's spine. The film's background score is also noteworthy, and it does an excellent job of bringing in the appropriate emotional responses.

One of the other factors that make Kinavalli stand out is its location. Filmed in the beautiful state of Kerala, the beautiful scenery, lush greenery, and the ancient-looking village houses, all add to the film's charm.

Overall, Kinavalli is a well-crafted horror-comedy that keeps the audience engaged throughout. The blend of horror and humour is commendable, and the movie has a strong cast with solid performances. The director has also efficiently tapped into the unique elements of Kerala, giving the film a distinct look and feel. I recommend Kinavalli to anyone looking for an entertaining horror-comedy film that gives goosebumps while simultaneously tickling your funny bone.

Kinavalli is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 19 minutes.