Maranamass (Malayalam) - Movie Review - Streaming from May 15th on SonyLIV

 

Maranamass (2025) Movie Review: A Dark Comedy That Packs Laughs but Stumbles on the Journey

Streaming on: SonyLIV (from May 15, 2025)
Language: Malayalam (with Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi dubbed versions)
Genre: Dark Comedy
Director: Sivaprasad
Cast: Basil Joseph, Tovino Thomas, Siju Sunny, Anishma Anilkumar, Rajesh Madhavan, Babu Antony, Suresh Krishna

Maranamass, a 2025 Malayalam dark comedy directed by debutant Sivaprasad, hit the screens on April 10, 2025, just in time for the Vishu weekend. Starring the versatile Basil Joseph in the lead, alongside a talented ensemble including Tovino Thomas, Siju Sunny, Anishma Anilkumar, Rajesh Madhavan, Babu Antony, and Suresh Krishna, the film promised a quirky take on the serial killer trope. With its recent OTT release on SonyLIV starting May 15, 2025, in multiple languages (Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi), Maranamass has garnered attention for its bold attempt at blending humor with darker themes. Having watched the film, I can say it’s a mixed bag—a breezy, laugh-filled ride that works in parts but struggles to maintain its momentum throughout.

The story centers on Luke (Basil Joseph), a local troublemaker in a small Kerala town, who becomes the prime suspect when a serial killer, reminiscent of the infamous Ripper Chandran, begins terrorizing the area. Luke’s life takes a chaotic turn as he gets entangled in a fateful night bus journey with a conductor and a driver, leading to a series of unexpected events that form the crux of the narrative. What sets Maranamass apart from typical serial killer films is its refusal to take the dark, fear-inducing route. Instead, director Sivaprasad opts for a lighter tone, infusing the story with situational and dialogue-driven humor that keeps the audience chuckling, even as the shadow of a murderer looms large.

Basil Joseph, known for his ability to seamlessly switch between serious roles (PonMan, Pravinkoodu Shappu) and comedic ones, delivers a standout performance as Luke. He brings a chaotic energy to the character, balancing mischief with vulnerability in a way that makes you root for him despite his questionable antics. At a press conference following the release, Basil shared his intent to avoid repetition in his roles, saying, “I want to explore this space a lot more; there should be films like PonMan, and there should be ones like Maranamass too.” His commitment to variety shines through here, as he navigates the film’s tonal shifts with ease. The supporting cast, particularly Siju Sunny and Rajesh Madhavan, add to the comedic flair with their impeccable timing, while Anishma Anilkumar brings a grounded presence to the chaos.

The first half of Maranamass is where the film truly shines. The writing is sharp, with a sarcastic comedy track that keeps you engaged. The characters are intertwined in a way that feels organic, and the situational humor—whether it’s Luke’s misadventures or the quirky interactions on the night bus—lands perfectly. There’s a certain charm in how the film portrays the small-town setting, with the entire village aware of the serial killer yet managing to find humor in their daily lives. It’s a refreshing take, as noted by critic Princy Alexander in her Onmanorama review: “Most films on serial killers often take the dark route. But in Maranamass, there is no space for such fear even when an entire village knows that a serial killer is out on the loose.”

However, the film falters in its second half, where the writing becomes noticeably sloppy. The tonal shift from comedy to a more emotional narrative feels jarring, and the screenplay loses its tightness. Several main characters, who were pivotal in the first half, are relegated to the background with little to do, while subplots—like one involving a missing dog—take up more screen time than necessary. These detours slow down the pacing, making the film feel disjointed. As Sukanya Shaji pointed out in her review for The News Minute, the screenplay in the second half is “disjointed,” despite the strong performances from the cast. The emotional beats, while heartfelt, don’t land as effectively as the humor, leaving the audience wanting a more cohesive resolution.

From a technical standpoint, Maranamass is competently made. The cinematography captures the vibrancy of the Kerala setting, with the night bus sequences adding a layer of suspense to the comedy. The background score complements the film’s quirky tone, though it doesn’t leave a lasting impression. The production values, backed by Rapheal Film Productions, are solid for a debut venture, but there’s room for improvement in maintaining narrative consistency.

With an IMDb rating of 8.0, Maranamass has clearly resonated with a portion of its audience, and its global box office collection of $428,759 reflects a decent reception. Critics have been largely positive, with Janani K of India Today rating it 3/5 and calling it “yet another great attempt at dark comedy from Malayalam cinema.” She rightly notes that while the film has its drawbacks, the performances and quirky characters make it an enjoyable affair. The OTT Play review echoes this sentiment, describing it as “a bumpy ride, but one packed with laughs,” and a breezy watch for those looking to unwind.

In the broader context of Malayalam cinema, Maranamass fits into the industry’s growing trend of experimenting with genre-blending narratives. The success of films like this speaks to the audience’s appetite for fresh storytelling, even if the execution isn’t always flawless. For Basil Joseph, this film marks another step in his journey to challenge himself as an actor, and his performance alone makes it worth watching.

In conclusion, Maranamass is a film that delivers on its promise of laughs but struggles to maintain its momentum as a cohesive dark comedy. It’s a fun watch for those who enjoy situational humor and don’t mind a few narrative hiccups along the way. If you’re looking for a lighthearted escape with a talented cast, this film is a good pick—especially now that it’s streaming on SonyLIV. However, if you’re expecting a tightly packed dark comedy that sustains its energy throughout, you might find yourself wishing for a smoother ride. I’d give Maranamass a 3.5/5 for its ambition and humor, even if it doesn’t always stay on track.

Rating: 3.5/5