Kalamkaval X Review: Netizens call Mammootty's antagonist avatar 'terrific', love film's first half

Malayalam superstar Mammootty is back on the big screen with the gritty crime drama Kalamkaval. The highly anticipated film, directed by Jithin K Jose, was released in theatres on Friday, December 5, and the response is overwhelming.

The movie, marking Mammootty's return to the screen after a brief break, has opened to packed morning shows, with viewers eagerly waiting to see the superstar in a dark, intense role. Produced by Mammootty Kampany, the screenplay is written by Jithin K. Jose and Jishnu Sreekumar. The film also stars Rajisha Vijayan, Gayatri Arun, and Gibin Gopinath.

Early reviews and reactions from fans are pouring in, with many praising Mammootty's powerful performance and the film's gripping storytelling. One fan simply wrote, "Game-changing moment".

Game changing moment ????????????

ഇ പരിപാടി മുതലാണ് പടം ട്രാക്കിലായത് ????????#Mammootty #Kalamkaval pic.twitter.com/7Aq3EKEI2F

— Ben Narendran (@bennaredran0369) December 4, 2025

Another said, "Slow Phase Narrated First Half With Less Commercial Elements. Mammootty's devilishness, intro scene, and slang things were so good. Mujeeb Majeed Music Works is Terrific. Pre Interval Scene & Interval Punch Felt's Okayish."

#Kalamkaval - Slow Phase Narrated First Half With Less Commercial Elements ✅#Mammootty

Devilishness,Intro Scene & Slang Things Were So Good.

Mujeeb Majeed Music Works is Terrific.Pre Interval Scene & Interval Punch Felt's Okayish.

Strongly need a Second Half. Hope Its Works pic.twitter.com/O589HTvj4Y

— Abin Babu ???? (@AbinBabu2255) December 5, 2025

“Jithin K Jose wastes no time to introduce the protagonist in the story. Loved the character development without stretching the screenplay. Subtle and restrained performance from #Mammootty and #Vinayakan. The dramatic intermission works really well for the film. Great experience so far,” a user posted.

#Kalamkaval First Half.!

Jithin K Jose wastes no time to introduce the protagonist in the story. Loved the character development without stretching the screenplay. Subtle and restrained performance from #Mammootty and #Vinayakan.

The dramatic intermission works really well for… pic.twitter.com/Vne54YwcR9

— What The Fuss (@WhatTheFuss_) December 5, 2025

"A Crime Investigation drama which Starts off slowly then goes interesting till interval with parallel Narration of #Vinayakan & #Mammootty's Portions.. #Mammootty was just wow.. His Performance.. How did he even choose this role.. Going good so far.. Waiting to see how this one's gonna turn out in the second half," another wrote.

#Kalamkaval

First Half Review ????

- A Crime Investigation drama which Starts off slowly then goes interesting till interval with parallel Narration of #Vinayakan & #Mammootty's Portions..⭐
- #Mammootty was just wow..???? His Performance..???? How did he even choose this role..????
-… pic.twitter.com/fbTb31Wl8Q

— Laxmi Kanth (@iammoviebuff007) December 5, 2025

Ahead of the film's release, the actor shared a heartfelt note on X on Thursday. "#Kalamkaval is all yours from tomorrow. Jithin makes his directorial debut with this film and he, along with his team, has poured his heart and soul into bringing you something memorable. Hope you all like it. Can't wait to hear your feedback," he wrote.

The digital rights for the film Kalamkaval have been acquired by SonyLIV, and it is expected to be available on the platform after its theatrical run concludes. An official streaming date has not been announced by the makers yet.