Kuttram Pudhithu (2025) Movie Review: A Supernatural Thriller That Intrigues but Falls Short of MasteryReleased on August 29, 2025, Kuttram Pudhithu, directed by Noah Armstrong, is a Tamil-language supernatural thriller that attempts to blend mystery, suspense, and existential questions into a gripping narrative. Starring Tharun Vijay, Seshvitha Kanimozhi, Nizhalgal Ravi, and Madhusudhan Rao, this 1-hour-50-minute film dives into a perplexing case that challenges the boundaries of reality and truth. With a premise that promises twists and a haunting atmosphere, Kuttram Pudhithu has generated buzz, evidenced by 5.1K–5.2K interested viewers on BookMyShow. However, despite its ambitious vision and strong performances, the film struggles to deliver a fully cohesive experience.
Introduction: A Bold Premise with Supernatural FlairKuttram Pudhithu enters the Tamil cinema landscape with a fresh take on the thriller genre, infusing supernatural elements into a classic whodunit framework. Directed by debutant Noah Armstrong, the film centers on Kadhiresan (Tharun Vijay), a troubled food delivery boy who confesses to the brutal murder of Preethi (Seshvitha Kanimozhi), the daughter of ACP Sathya. The plot takes a surreal turn when Preethi reappears unharmed five days later, unraveling a mystery that questions reality, truth, and existence itself. Set in a quiet Tamil Nadu town, the film aims to keep audiences guessing with its layered narrative and eerie tone.The trailer, released on August 20, 2025, promised a mind-bending experience, and the film’s supernatural thriller label has drawn comparisons to films like Tumbbad for its genre-blending ambition. While Kuttram Pudhithu captivates with its intriguing setup and emotional depth, it struggles to maintain narrative coherence, making it a compelling yet flawed cinematic outing.
Plot and Themes: A Maze of Mystery and MetaphysicsThe story kicks off with a shocking confession: Kadhiresan, a seemingly ordinary delivery boy, admits to murdering Preethi, providing gruesome details that stun the police. The investigation initially points to a missing auto driver, but when Preethi returns alive, the case spirals into a labyrinth of false testimonies, staged recollections, and supernatural occurrences. The film explores themes of justice, redemption, guilt, and the blurred line between reality and illusion, challenging both characters and viewers to question what’s real.Director Noah Armstrong crafts a narrative that thrives on ambiguity, using Preethi’s return to delve into metaphysical questions about life, death, and truth. The film’s supernatural elements—hinted at through eerie visuals and cryptic clues—add intrigue, but the script, at times, feels overburdened by its twists. The central mystery is engaging, but some plot turns, such as a convoluted explanation of Kadhiresan’s motives, strain believability. The brisk 1-hour-50-minute runtime is a strength, keeping the pace taut, but the climax lacks the emotional and narrative punch needed to tie the threads together, leaving some questions unanswered.
Performances: Tharun Vijay and Seshvitha ShineTharun Vijay delivers a standout performance as Kadhiresan, capturing the character’s inner turmoil with raw intensity. His portrayal of a disturbed soul teetering between guilt and desperation is compelling, with moments of agitation hinting at a deeper character study that the script doesn’t fully explore. Seshvitha Kanimozhi, as Preethi, is equally impressive, selling her character’s enigmatic presence with conviction. Her ability to convey both vulnerability and mystery anchors the film’s emotional core.Nizhalgal Ravi, as ACP Sathya, brings gravitas to the role of a father grappling with his daughter’s apparent death and return, though his screen time feels limited. Madhusudhan Rao and the supporting cast, including Priyadarshini Rajkumar, are functional but underutilized, with some characters fading into the background as the plot focuses on its central mystery. The ensemble’s chemistry is solid, but the film could have benefited from fleshing out secondary roles to enhance the emotional stakes.
Technical Craft: A Haunting Visual and Auditory ExperienceTechnically, Kuttram Pudhithu is a triumph. Jason Williams’ cinematography creates a haunting visual landscape, using moody lighting and confined frames to amplify the film’s eerie tone. The quiet town setting, juxtaposed with tense interrogation scenes, enhances the sense of unease. S. Kamala Kannan’s editing keeps the narrative crisp, though some transitions feel abrupt, particularly in the second half. Karan B. Krupa’s background score is a highlight, with its haunting melodies amplifying suspense and lingering long after the credits. The title track, in particular, resonates with a ghostly quality that complements the supernatural elements.The film’s single song is used effectively, avoiding the trope of unnecessary musical interludes common in Tamil cinema. However, the score occasionally overwhelms quieter scenes, flattening tension where silence could have been more effective. Production design and costumes ground the film in its small-town setting, adding authenticity to the visuals. Despite these strengths, the use of modern surveillance technology feels underplayed, missing opportunities to modernize the investigation narrative.
Direction and Execution: Noah Armstrong’s Ambitious DebutNoah Armstrong, in his directorial debut, shows promise with Kuttram Pudhithu. His vision to blend supernatural elements with a crime thriller is bold, and he succeeds in creating an atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge. The film’s plot-first approach, with minimal reliance on songs or romance, sets it apart from typical Tamil thrillers. Armstrong’s use of twists, as noted in reviews, makes audiences “look back” at key moments, but his ambition sometimes outpaces execution.The film’s tonal inconsistencies—shifting between gritty crime drama and metaphysical thriller—create a wobble that undermines its impact. Certain staging choices, like a sudden media frenzy at the police station, feel contrived, and expository dialogue, such as a laboured explanation of concussion, slows the momentum. A tighter script could have elevated the film into a genre standout, but Armstrong’s ability to draw strong performances and craft suspenseful moments marks him as a director to watch.
Audience Appeal and ImpactWith a U/A certificate and a runtime under two hours, Kuttram Pudhithu is accessible to thriller enthusiasts and mature audiences. Its supernatural twist and brisk pacing make it a refreshing departure from formulaic Tamil films, appealing to viewers who enjoy films like Ratsasan or Tumbbad. The film’s release in Tamil across theaters in Jalandhar, Panapakkam, and beyond, coupled with 5.1K–5.2K interested viewers on BookMyShow, indicates decent buzz. Its upcoming OTT release will likely broaden its reach.However, the film’s 2-star rating from Times of India and mixed reviews suggest it hasn’t fully satisfied critics, with some calling it a “case file with too many sticky notes.” Fans of Tharun Vijay and supernatural thrillers will find much to enjoy, but those expecting a airtight resolution may leave wanting more.
Conclusion: A Thrilling Yet Flawed MysteryKuttram Pudhithu is a bold attempt to merge supernatural suspense with a crime thriller, elevated by strong performances and technical finesse. Tharun Vijay and Seshvitha Kanimozhi shine, and Noah Armstrong’s direction creates moments of genuine intrigue. However, narrative incoherence, convenient plot turns, and a lackluster climax prevent it from reaching its full potential. For audiences seeking a thought-provoking thriller with an eerie edge, Kuttram Pudhithu is worth a watch, but it falls short of being a genre-defining masterpiece. Catch it in theaters or await its OTT release for a suspenseful, if imperfect, ride.Rating: 3/5
Introduction: A Bold Premise with Supernatural FlairKuttram Pudhithu enters the Tamil cinema landscape with a fresh take on the thriller genre, infusing supernatural elements into a classic whodunit framework. Directed by debutant Noah Armstrong, the film centers on Kadhiresan (Tharun Vijay), a troubled food delivery boy who confesses to the brutal murder of Preethi (Seshvitha Kanimozhi), the daughter of ACP Sathya. The plot takes a surreal turn when Preethi reappears unharmed five days later, unraveling a mystery that questions reality, truth, and existence itself. Set in a quiet Tamil Nadu town, the film aims to keep audiences guessing with its layered narrative and eerie tone.The trailer, released on August 20, 2025, promised a mind-bending experience, and the film’s supernatural thriller label has drawn comparisons to films like Tumbbad for its genre-blending ambition. While Kuttram Pudhithu captivates with its intriguing setup and emotional depth, it struggles to maintain narrative coherence, making it a compelling yet flawed cinematic outing.
Plot and Themes: A Maze of Mystery and MetaphysicsThe story kicks off with a shocking confession: Kadhiresan, a seemingly ordinary delivery boy, admits to murdering Preethi, providing gruesome details that stun the police. The investigation initially points to a missing auto driver, but when Preethi returns alive, the case spirals into a labyrinth of false testimonies, staged recollections, and supernatural occurrences. The film explores themes of justice, redemption, guilt, and the blurred line between reality and illusion, challenging both characters and viewers to question what’s real.Director Noah Armstrong crafts a narrative that thrives on ambiguity, using Preethi’s return to delve into metaphysical questions about life, death, and truth. The film’s supernatural elements—hinted at through eerie visuals and cryptic clues—add intrigue, but the script, at times, feels overburdened by its twists. The central mystery is engaging, but some plot turns, such as a convoluted explanation of Kadhiresan’s motives, strain believability. The brisk 1-hour-50-minute runtime is a strength, keeping the pace taut, but the climax lacks the emotional and narrative punch needed to tie the threads together, leaving some questions unanswered.
Performances: Tharun Vijay and Seshvitha ShineTharun Vijay delivers a standout performance as Kadhiresan, capturing the character’s inner turmoil with raw intensity. His portrayal of a disturbed soul teetering between guilt and desperation is compelling, with moments of agitation hinting at a deeper character study that the script doesn’t fully explore. Seshvitha Kanimozhi, as Preethi, is equally impressive, selling her character’s enigmatic presence with conviction. Her ability to convey both vulnerability and mystery anchors the film’s emotional core.Nizhalgal Ravi, as ACP Sathya, brings gravitas to the role of a father grappling with his daughter’s apparent death and return, though his screen time feels limited. Madhusudhan Rao and the supporting cast, including Priyadarshini Rajkumar, are functional but underutilized, with some characters fading into the background as the plot focuses on its central mystery. The ensemble’s chemistry is solid, but the film could have benefited from fleshing out secondary roles to enhance the emotional stakes.
Technical Craft: A Haunting Visual and Auditory ExperienceTechnically, Kuttram Pudhithu is a triumph. Jason Williams’ cinematography creates a haunting visual landscape, using moody lighting and confined frames to amplify the film’s eerie tone. The quiet town setting, juxtaposed with tense interrogation scenes, enhances the sense of unease. S. Kamala Kannan’s editing keeps the narrative crisp, though some transitions feel abrupt, particularly in the second half. Karan B. Krupa’s background score is a highlight, with its haunting melodies amplifying suspense and lingering long after the credits. The title track, in particular, resonates with a ghostly quality that complements the supernatural elements.The film’s single song is used effectively, avoiding the trope of unnecessary musical interludes common in Tamil cinema. However, the score occasionally overwhelms quieter scenes, flattening tension where silence could have been more effective. Production design and costumes ground the film in its small-town setting, adding authenticity to the visuals. Despite these strengths, the use of modern surveillance technology feels underplayed, missing opportunities to modernize the investigation narrative.
Direction and Execution: Noah Armstrong’s Ambitious DebutNoah Armstrong, in his directorial debut, shows promise with Kuttram Pudhithu. His vision to blend supernatural elements with a crime thriller is bold, and he succeeds in creating an atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge. The film’s plot-first approach, with minimal reliance on songs or romance, sets it apart from typical Tamil thrillers. Armstrong’s use of twists, as noted in reviews, makes audiences “look back” at key moments, but his ambition sometimes outpaces execution.The film’s tonal inconsistencies—shifting between gritty crime drama and metaphysical thriller—create a wobble that undermines its impact. Certain staging choices, like a sudden media frenzy at the police station, feel contrived, and expository dialogue, such as a laboured explanation of concussion, slows the momentum. A tighter script could have elevated the film into a genre standout, but Armstrong’s ability to draw strong performances and craft suspenseful moments marks him as a director to watch.
Audience Appeal and ImpactWith a U/A certificate and a runtime under two hours, Kuttram Pudhithu is accessible to thriller enthusiasts and mature audiences. Its supernatural twist and brisk pacing make it a refreshing departure from formulaic Tamil films, appealing to viewers who enjoy films like Ratsasan or Tumbbad. The film’s release in Tamil across theaters in Jalandhar, Panapakkam, and beyond, coupled with 5.1K–5.2K interested viewers on BookMyShow, indicates decent buzz. Its upcoming OTT release will likely broaden its reach.However, the film’s 2-star rating from Times of India and mixed reviews suggest it hasn’t fully satisfied critics, with some calling it a “case file with too many sticky notes.” Fans of Tharun Vijay and supernatural thrillers will find much to enjoy, but those expecting a airtight resolution may leave wanting more.
Conclusion: A Thrilling Yet Flawed MysteryKuttram Pudhithu is a bold attempt to merge supernatural suspense with a crime thriller, elevated by strong performances and technical finesse. Tharun Vijay and Seshvitha Kanimozhi shine, and Noah Armstrong’s direction creates moments of genuine intrigue. However, narrative incoherence, convenient plot turns, and a lackluster climax prevent it from reaching its full potential. For audiences seeking a thought-provoking thriller with an eerie edge, Kuttram Pudhithu is worth a watch, but it falls short of being a genre-defining masterpiece. Catch it in theaters or await its OTT release for a suspenseful, if imperfect, ride.Rating: 3/5