Malayalam cinema has always been celebrated for its unique storytelling, grounded characters, and innovative approach to genres. With the massive success of Romancham in 2023, filmmakers in Kerala began experimenting further with the horror-comedy genre, blending spine-chilling moments with rib-tickling humor. Riding on this wave, Sumathi Valavu emerged as another fresh addition to the Malayalam horror-comedy space. Released in theatres earlier in 2025, the film performed decently at the Kerala box office, attracting audiences with its quirky storyline and ensemble cast. While it may not have achieved blockbuster status, it carved its own space with engaging entertainment. Now, the film is all set to reach a wider audience through its OTT debut.
Sumathi Valavu OTT Release Date
Sumathi Valavu is all set to be premiered on 26 September 2025 on Zee5.
The horror-comedy genre is perfectly suited for OTT viewing, as families and groups of friends often enjoy watching such films together. With its simple yet engaging plot, memorable characters, and balance of laughs and scares, Sumathi Valavu has the potential to attract large viewership numbers on Zee5.
Moreover, fans of Arjun Ashokan, Balu Varghese, and Saiju Kurup are likely to rewatch the film, while many who skipped the theatrical release will finally catch it online. With the convenience of streaming in multiple languages, the film is set to reach audiences well beyond its Malayalam-speaking base.
The buzz around Sumathi Valavu has intensified ever since the makers announced its OTT release. With Zee5 bagging the streaming rights, the film is now set to entertain a much wider audience from September 26, 2025.
When and Where to Watch Sumathi Valavu
You can watch this horror-comedy movie on Zee5 on 26 September 2025.
At the box office, the film fared decently well. While it didn’t break records, it managed to recover costs and draw attention from fans of the horror-comedy genre. Many critics praised the film’s attempt to bring regional flavors into the storyline, though some felt certain sequences leaned on predictable clichés.
Nevertheless, audience word-of-mouth highlighted the film as a “fun one-time watch” with good rewatch value, which bodes well for its OTT journey. Sumathi Valavu may not have been a record-shattering theatrical release, but it embodies the fun, quirky spirit of Malayalam horror comedies that are gaining popularity post-Romancham.
The horror-comedy will be available in Malayalam (original), Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, ensuring that viewers across South India and even the Hindi-speaking regions can enjoy the movie in their preferred language.
Sumathi Valavu Movie Story
At its core, Sumathi Valavu revolves around a haunted property guarded by the ghost of a Tamil woman. The storyline takes a traditional horror setup and adds a comical twist to it. The film follows a group of individuals who come across the mysterious “Valavu” (a lane or property) rumored to be cursed.
Despite warnings, curiosity gets the better of them, and they end up encountering the ghostly presence of a Tamil woman. What follows is a roller-coaster ride of spooky incidents, humorous situations, and unexpected twists that keep the audience entertained till the end.
Cast and Crew of Sumathi Valavu Movie
Arjun Ashokan, Known for his natural acting style, Arjun plays a central role with a perfect mix of humor and fear, making him relatable to the audience. Malavika Manoj, Adds freshness and depth to the story with her strong screen presence.
Sidharth Bharathan, Brings versatility, contributing both dramatic weight and comic relief when needed. Gokul Suresh, Adds charm and energy, appealing to the youth demographic. Balu Varghese, A favorite in comedic roles, Balu ensures continuous laughter throughout the film.
Saiju Kurup, A seasoned actor, his comic timing and dialogue delivery are major highlights. Sshivada and Devanandha, Deliver solid supporting roles, adding emotional layers to the otherwise comedy-driven narrative.
Sreepath Yan, Joohi Jayakumar, Jasnya K Jayadeesh, Gopika Anil, and Shravan Mukesh: Each adds small yet memorable contributions, ensuring that no character feels wasted. This mix of established actors and emerging talents adds to the film’s appeal, creating a vibrant on-screen dynamic.
Sumathi Valavu is directed by Vishnu Sasi Shankar, who manages to blend two contrasting genres horror and comedy seamlessly. His storytelling ensures that the film never becomes overly dark, even during its scariest moments, maintaining the balance that keeps audiences engaged.
The screenplay cleverly uses jump scares, witty dialogues, and situational comedy, ensuring that viewers are constantly entertained. Vishnu Sasi Shankar’s direction reflects his confidence in handling ensemble casts and genre hybrids, making Sumathi Valavu stand out as more than just another horror flick.
Cinematography by Shankar P.V., The camera work enhances the spooky atmosphere with dim-lit sequences while also capturing humorous moments in brighter, more vibrant tones. The contrast between eerie visuals and lighthearted scenes adds to the film’s uniqueness.
Editing by Shafique Muhamed Ali, The crisp editing keeps the narrative flowing smoothly. The pacing is neither too fast to lose suspense nor too slow to bore the audience, striking a perfect rhythm for a horror comedy.
Music and Background Score, While the music details weren’t highlighted, the background score plays a crucial role in amplifying both horror and comedic sequences. Sudden musical cues enhance jump scares, while quirky tracks lighten the mood.
Produced by Gokulam Gopalan and Murali Kunnumpurath, Sumathi Valavu had a solid production backing. The producers ensured that the film received a good theatrical release across Kerala.
