Movie review: “Poovellam Kettu Paar”, a local Tamil movie, excels in technical aspects and performances!
Directed by Karthik Shamalan, Poovellam Kettu Paar enters the Malaysian Tamil cinema landscape offering a fresh and distinct cinematic experience for local audiences. The film is jointly produced by Karthik Shamalan and Datin Shaila Nair under the banners of SCI FILMS and SHAIBHA VISION. Released in Malaysian theatres yesterday (27 August 2026), this movie serves as a thrilling treat for horror and thriller enthusiasts.
The narrative centres on Sathya (Datin Shaila Nair), a PhD scholar collecting field data for her doctoral research on societal perceptions of individuals with criminal backgrounds, alongside her research assistant Karthikeyan (Yuvraj Krishnasamy). As part of their study, they meet Maaran (‘Vikadakavi’ Magen), a man acquitted in a criminal case for lack of evidence. The unexpected events, rising tension, and harrowing moments that unfold following this meeting form the suspenseful core of the screenplay.
The film stands on firm ground, both technically and in its strong cast performances. Veronica Thomas, making her acting debut as Nadhiya, delivers a striking performance that easily marks her as one of the year’s best debuts. Nine-year-old Thashrra Aghonderan (daughter of popular Malaysian actor Agho) brings maturity and life to her scenes. Yuvraj Krishnasamy carries the entire first half with his natural dialogue delivery and lively presence. Datin Shaila Nair effectively conveys the tension and emotional depth required of her character, while the dedication shown by the entire cast in the climax action sequences provides viewers with a uniquely intense horror experience.
Last but not least is the performance of Vikadakavi Magen, who has once again proven his versatility with his distinct take on the character Maran.
On the technical front, T.K.’s cinematography vividly captures the atmosphere and scale of the secluded forest house, immersing the audience directly in the film’s setting. Shamesan Manimaran’s background score acts as a major pillar for the movie, heightening the intensity of every scene. The art direction and editing are executed with finesse, elevating the technical standards of Malaysian Tamil cinema.
Running for over two hours, the film moves at an engaging and humorous pace in its first half, though a slight lack of clarity about the narrative direction in the opening stretch is a minor drawback. However, once the story shifts into its core territory, the screenplay gains rapid momentum and delivers a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.
Following the massive box office success of Karthik Shamalan’s previous directorial project, C4 Cinta, Poovellam Kettu Paar is poised to achieve similar commercial success in theatres. For audiences catching it on the big screen, it promises an enjoyable and worthwhile cinematic experience.
Poovellam Kettu Paar movie trailer can be watched via the following YouTube link:
