Kondraal Paavam Movie Review

Films centered in a single location are turning up in bigger numbers after the pandemic, and we have one more in the line now with director Dayal Padmanabhan’s Kondraal Paavam, a remake of the Kannada hit Aa Karaala Raatri.

The film takes place in the 80s, where a poor family has its fortunes seeming to change when a stranger walks into their house following the prediction from a local fortune teller. What happens over the course of a single night in narrated in the film, with the director Dayal Padmanabhan narrating the incidents steadily and building the momentum in the first half, and following it up in the second half with some fiery and intense moments. Kondraal Paavam’s biggest plus is the shocking climax twist, which comes as a big surprise and adds value to the film.

Dayal’s narration in the film is old school, and though the first half has a handful of interesting episodes, it feels slow on the whole. It is only when the film picks up its motive in the second half and moves at a rapid pace, does it work out better. Of course, it is aided superbly by the strong performances from its cast – Varalakshmi Sarathkumar is excellent as the woman running out of the age where she has to get married. There is also Eeswari Rao who does a fabulous job and is the most natural performer in the film, and Santhosh Prathap does a neat job as the man visiting the home for a night’s stay.

The film is technically par, with Sam CS’ BGM building the old world feel nicely even though it feels loud at times. Chezhiyan’s camera does have some good shots, but it is too less for the proven technician he is.

On the whole, Kondraal Paavam is an engaging mystery drama that makes good use of its runtime and provides a fine film on the whole.  Kondraal Paavam Movie Review by Siddarth Srinivas

Kondraal Paavam Movie Review Rating: 3/5