Soothravakyam (2025) Movie Review – A Study of Directorial Vision
Introduction
Soothravakyam marks the directorial debut of Eugien Jos Chirammel, who sets a unique tone for this Malayalam family comedy-drama. The film balances humor and emotion, making it an interesting addition to 2025’s regional cinema lineup.
With Shine Tom Chacko leading a strong cast, the film treads into relatable territory. It’s produced under the Cinema Bandi banner, which often backs stories grounded in local ethos.
Directorial Choices
Eugien Jos Chirammel shows maturity in storytelling rarely seen in debutants. His framing, shot choices, and transitions suggest a clear intent in how every scene should feel.
The pacing is deliberately measured, giving space for characters to grow. Chirammel avoids over-dramatization, relying on situational authenticity to drive the story.
Influences and Inspirations
There’s a subtle influence of classic Malayalam comedies with emotional cores. Hints of Sathyan Anthikad and Vineeth Sreenivasan’s narrative styles are visible in the character-based humor.
The school backdrop and police station scenes resemble coming-of-age setups seen in films like ‘Thanneer Mathan Dinangal’. Yet, Chirammel gives it his own flavor, anchoring it in middle-class simplicity.
Comparison to Previous Works
Though this is Chirammel’s first film, the writer Rejin S. Babu’s presence provides connective tissue with ‘Pendulum’ (2023). Soothravakyam carries a similar rhythm — quirky, heartful, and rooted in everyday conflicts.
This film, however, feels tighter in terms of execution and more emotionally layered than Rejin’s previous projects. The editing by Nithish K.T.R. complements this vision with crisp scene transitions.
Director’s Signature Elements
One standout is the use of silence in emotionally intense moments. Chirammel doesn’t overfill his frames with background music, letting natural sounds breathe.
His knack for directing children and supporting characters is notable. The ensemble never feels underused; each character adds nuance to the overall story arc.
Performance & Casting
Shine Tom Chacko delivers yet another memorable performance, transitioning between comedy and emotion effortlessly. Vincy Aloshious holds her own with charm and authenticity.
Deepak Parambol is well-cast in his usual comfort zone of grounded roles. Srikanth Kandragula brings subtle intensity to his dual role as actor and producer.
Screenplay & Dialogues
Rejin S. Babu crafts conversations that feel lifted from real life. The humor is understated, and the emotional beats hit with precision.
There are no forced punchlines; instead, dialogues reveal personality and conflict. This supports Chirammel’s direction well, especially in key family scenes.
Visual Language
Sreeram Chandrasekharan’s cinematography mirrors the director’s intent perfectly. He frames characters in environments that enhance their inner journey.
Whether it’s a tight hallway, a classroom scene, or the open courtyard, visuals add meaning. This harmony between camera and direction is what elevates Soothravakyam.
Genre Execution
Compared to recent family comedies like ‘Enkilum Chandrike’, this film leans deeper into emotional storytelling. It doesn’t just aim for laughs, but also introspection.
The comedic moments feel earned, not placed for filler. That sets it apart in the genre and makes it resonate more with mature audiences.
Production Elements
The sound design team, including Prasanth P Menon and Prakambanam, adds finesse to everyday settings. Natural sounds, like school bells and birds chirping, enhance immersion.
Jean P Johnson’s background score is gentle yet effective. It heightens emotional tension without overshadowing performances.
Box Office Buzz
Though yet to release, Soothravakyam has gained traction in industry circles. Sites like iBomma Movies and Bappamtv Movies have picked it as a sleeper hit contender.
Iradha Movies also highlighted the fresh narrative and regional appeal. If word-of-mouth supports it, the film might exceed box office expectations for a debut feature.
Table: Cast & Crew Breakdown
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Eugien Jos Chirammel |
| Writer | Rejin S. Babu |
| Producer | Srikanth Kandragula |
| Cinematographer | Sreeram Chandrasekharan |
| Editor | Nithish K.T.R. |
| Music | Jean P Johnson |
Star Rating Table
| Aspect | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Direction | 4.5 |
| Screenplay | 4.0 |
| Performance | 4.2 |
| Music & Sound | 4.0 |
| Visuals | 4.3 |
Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Note: This rating is subjective and may vary post-release.
FAQs
What genre does Soothravakyam fall into?
It’s a family comedy-drama with elements of coming-of-age and social realism.
Is this Eugien Jos Chirammel’s first film?
Yes, Soothravakyam marks his directorial debut in Malayalam cinema.
What makes the film stand out?
The strong direction, layered characters, and emotional storytelling make it distinct.
Where can I read more reviews?
Check out iBomma Movies, Bappamtv Movies, and Iradha Movies for detailed opinions after release.
Will the controversy affect the release?
Despite some issues between cast members, production is on track, and the film remains unaffected.