The Malayalam film industry has always had a knack for blending realism with offbeat humor and experimental storytelling. Enter Padakkalam, a comedy-drama that does exactly that but with a wildly fantastical twist. After a successful theatrical run, this campus comedy laced with supernatural elements is all set for its digital debut. For those who missed it in theaters, the wait is finally over. Padakkalam will be available for streaming on JioCinema starting June 10, 2025.
Padakkalam OTT Release Date
Padakkalam is all set to be premiered on 10 June 2025 on Jio Hotstar.
Released in theaters on May 9, 2025, Padakkalam was met with largely positive reviews from both critics and audiences. Made on a modest budget of ₹7.5 crore, the film managed to gross over ₹11 crore, signaling a solid commercial success.
Interestingly, the film wasn’t just a hit in Kerala it found resonance among the Indian diaspora across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly in the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. Its success is a testament to the growing appeal of Malayalam films that combine local flavor with globally relatable themes like friendship, rivalry, and the allure of the unknown.
As officially announced on Monday, Padakkalam will begin streaming on JioHotstar from June 10, 2025. The platform has acquired the digital rights and is planning a multi-language release to ensure a broader reach. Apart from the original Malayalam, the movie will be available in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, complete with subtitles.
When and Where to Watch Padakkalam
You can watch this fantasy comedy on Jio Hotstar from 10 June 2025.
At its core, Padakkalam is a zany college story about four comic book-obsessed students who stumble into a world of sorcery and body-swapping, thanks to an ancient, magical Pachisi (dice board) set.
What begins as a seemingly lighthearted tale set in a sleepy college soon escalates into a full-blown supernatural adventure. The movie sets itself apart by embracing a cartoonish tone while maintaining emotional depth and narrative coherence.
The story unfolds around two professors, Ranjith and Shaji, battling it out for the coveted position of Head of the Department. The students, clearly favoring the amiable Ranjith, are disappointed when the stern and slightly unlikeable Shaji wins the post. But the real twist comes when Shaji begins acting oddly almost like he’s a completely different person.
Padakkalam Movie Story
The core twist in Padakkalam a mystical board game that facilitates body-swapping might sound absurd, but the film treats it with enough conviction and comic timing to win over audiences.
It’s not every day that you find yourself rooting for a group of nerdy college kids trying to reverse a body-swapping curse before final exams. Jithin, one of the lead students, is the first to notice that something’s not quite right. With the help of his gang fellow comic book nerds and misfit geniuses they dig deeper into the professor’s sudden behavioral change.
Their investigation leads them to the ancient dice board that holds the power of black magic, capable of switching souls between bodies. This discovery leads to chaos, slapstick comedy, supernatural mayhem, and a race against time to set things right.
Cast and Crew of Padakkalam Movie
The performances are one of Padakkalam’s biggest strengths. Suraj Venjaramoodu delivers a delightfully layered performance as Ranjith, effortlessly toggling between sincerity and mischief. Sharaf U Dheen plays Shaji, the unfortunate professor whose body is hijacked, with an amusing mix of frustration and confusion.
Niranjana Anoop plays a student caught in the whirlpool of chaos, acting as a grounding presence amid the madness. The supporting cast, which includes Sandeep Pradeep (of Falimy fame), Arun Ajikumar, and the popular Saaf Bros, contributes heavily to the film’s rich humor and chemistry. Notably, none of the jokes feel forced the comedy flows naturally, blending seamlessly with the story’s more absurd elements.
Directed by Manu Swaraj in his directorial debut, Padakkalam is co-written with Nithin C Babu. The script fearlessly embraces its fantasy elements, using them to amplify not overshadow the emotional arcs and character dynamics. Swaraj’s direction ensures the tone remains playful but not aimless, walking the fine line between fantasy and satire.
Anu Moothedath handles the cinematography with flair, capturing both the mundane and the magical with equal finesse. The quirky score by Rajesh Murugesan (of Premam fame) enhances the movie’s whimsical vibe. The editing by Nidhin Raj Arol ensures that the pace remains snappy, and the transitions between comedy, suspense, and drama are smooth and coherent.
If you’re a fan of offbeat comedies, magical realism, or just want to watch something refreshingly original, Padakkalam deserves a spot on your watchlist. It’s rare to find a film that combines body-swapping sorcery, academic politics, and comic book nerd culture all in one zany narrative.
The film’s quirky characters, unpredictable twists, and surprisingly heartfelt moments make it more than just another college caper. It’s a celebration of imagination, youth, and the chaos that ensues when magic invades mundane lives. Whether you’re revisiting it after a theater watch or experiencing it for the first time, Padakkalam promises laughter, thrills, and a lot of magical mischief.
Padakkalam, the Malayalam campus comedy with a supernatural twist, will stream on Jio Hotstar from June 10, 2025. With its unique blend of humor, fantasy, and relatable student life drama, it’s a must-watch for fans of quirky cinema. Available in five languages with subtitles, the film is ready to charm a national audience.
