In the landscape of Malayalam cinema, where big-budget action thrillers such as L2: Empuraan starring Mohanlal and Unni Mukundan’s Marco dominate headlines and anticipation charts, a refreshing change has emerged in the form of smaller, content-driven films.
One such film that has quietly built a buzz among cinephiles and is now all set for its OTT debut is Painkili, a quirky comedy directed by Sreejith Babu. Despite its lack of superstar presence, the film has managed to carve out a space in the hearts of fans, thanks to its unique storyline, memorable characters, and a team of talented artists behind the scenes.
Painkili OTT Release Date
Painkili is all set to be premiered on 11 April 2025 on Manorama Max.
Painkili, which hit theatres on February 14, 2025, brought together the talents of Aavesham and Romancham fame Sajin Gopu and the vibrant Anaswara Rajan, fresh off the success of Rekhachithram.
The film is penned by Jithu Madhavan, the creative mind behind Aavesham, and produced by none other than Fahadh Faasil, whose track record as a producer includes the recent blockbuster Premalu. With such a creative lineup, expectations were naturally high.
The story of Painkili revolves around Suku Sujithkumar, a cheerful printing shop owner who has a mild obsession with social media, and Sheeba, a young woman with a habit of running away from home.
What unfolds is a hilarious sequence of events, sparked by an unexpected journey to Coimbatore and Sheeba’s sudden appearance at Suku’s house. The film navigates their interactions with a blend of humor, mischief, and a touch of romance. The chemistry between Sajin and Anaswara keeps the narrative engaging and enjoyable.
When and Where to Watch Painkili
You can watch this rom-com on Manorama Max from 11 April 2025.
After a relatively short theatrical run, Painkili is now ready to win hearts in the digital space. The film is set to start streaming on Manorama Max from April 11, 2025, just in time for the Vishu festivities.
According to the official announcement on Manorama Max’s Instagram page, the platform described it as a “comedy movie starring Sajin Gopu, Anaswara Rajan, Jisma Vimal, Roshan Shanavas… written by Jithu Madhavan.”
Interestingly, the trend with recent Malayalam releases like Oru Jaathi Jathakam and Machante Maalakha suggests a dual-platform release strategy. Following this trend, Painkili is also expected to be available on Amazon Prime Video later in the day on April 11. This dual release would increase its accessibility and potentially broaden its reach to a wider audience.
A Story With Heart and Humor
Beyond the technical brilliance and star power, the true charm of Painkili lies in its story. Suku, after being emotionally shaken by the accidental death of a friend, checks himself into a mental asylum, feeling responsible.
Meanwhile, Sheeba continues her streak of running away from her home and somehow finds herself involved in Suku’s already chaotic life. Their story unfolds in a way that blends comedy, drama, and romance, creating a film that feels light-hearted yet emotionally grounded.
Cast and Crew: A Talented Lineup
Painkili, directed by Sreejith Babu and written by Jithu Madhavan (who also co-produced the film with Fahadh Faasil), features cinematography by Arjun Sethu, editing by Kiran Das, and music by Justin Varghese. The film stars Sajin Gopu as Suku, a quirky printing shop owner, and Anaswara Rajan as Sheeba, a rebellious young woman.
Supporting roles include Jisma Vimal, Roshan Shanavas, Abu Salim, Chandu Salimkumar, and a special cameo by Lijo Jose Pellissery, with Riyaz Khan, Aswathy B, and Ambili Ayappan in key roles. The technical crew includes Kripesh Ayyappankutty (art direction), Veda (choreography), Mashar Hamsa (costume), and Kalai Kingson (action), with makeup by RG Wayanadan.
Post-production was handled by Poetic, with Srik Varier as colorist and VFX by Team VFX Studio. Animation and graphics were done by Iris Studio, Yellowtooth, and Abhilash Chacko. Promotions and publicity were managed by Rohith K Suresh, Dripwave Collective, Snakeplant LLP, and PRO Athira Diljith.
The anticipation around Painkili wasn’t merely due to the star power of its producers or the rising popularity of its lead actors. It was the combination of a fresh script, relatable characters, and a vibrant presentation style that caught the attention of audiences and critics alike.
Sajin Gopu, riding high on the massive popularity of his role in Aavesham, was a major draw. Anaswara Rajan, who had already proved her versatility in Rekhachithram and Ennu Swantam Punyalan, brought depth and energy to her role.
While the film may not have entirely lived up to the lofty expectations set by its pedigree, it certainly delivered some memorable moments. The offbeat humor, punchy dialogues, and the eccentricities of its characters make Painkili a perfect fit for the OTT space, where viewers are increasingly leaning towards character-driven, slice-of-life comedies.
As Malayalam cinema continues to diversify, films like Painkili show that you don’t need massive budgets or big stars to make a mark. A good story, sincere performances, and thoughtful direction can go a long way.
With its OTT release just around the corner, Painkili is expected to find a larger audience who can appreciate its humor, quirky characters, and heartfelt moments from the comfort of their homes.
So if you’re in the mood for something fun, quirky, and different this Vishu, make sure to catch Painkili streaming from April 11, 2025, on Manorama Max and most likely on Amazon Prime Video later the same day.
