Prakambanam
| Prakambanam | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Vijesh Panathur |
| Written by | Sreehari Vadakkan |
| Produced by | Sreejith K. S. Kaarthekeyan S. Sudhish N. |
| Starring | Ganapathi Sagar Surya Al Ameen Mallika Sukumaran |
| Cinematography | Alby Antony |
| Edited by | Sooraj E. S. |
| Music by | Bibin Ashok (Songs) Sankar Sharma (Score) |
Production companies | Navarasa Films,
Stone Bench Studio |
| Distributed by | Navarasa Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 128 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
Prakambanam is a 2026 Indian Malayalam-language horror comedy film directed by Vijesh Panathur and written by Sreehari Vadakkan.[1] The film is produced by Sreejith K. S., Kaarthekeyan S., and Sudhish N. under the banner of Navarasa Films in association with Stone Bench Studio. It stars Ganapathi, Sagar Surya, and Al Ameen in the lead roles, alongside Mallika Sukumaran, Azees Nedumangad, and Rajesh Madhavan.[2]
Cast
- Ganapathi as Sidharth "Sidhu"
- Sagar Surya as Punyalan aka Antony
- Al Ameen as Shankaran
- Mallika Sukumaran as Sidhu's Grandmother
- Sheethal Joseph as Vedika "Vedhu"
- Lal Jose as Vedika's father (cameo)
- Rajesh Madhavan as Stanislavski
- Azees Nedumangad as Sidhu's uncle
- Kalabhavan Navas as Sidhu's father
- Alexander Prashanth as Warden Santhosh "M-N"
- P. P. Kunhikrishnan
- Abhijith Suresh as Darshan
Production
Development
The film was officially announced in April 2025 as a “spooky college horror-comedy.” It marks the solo directorial debut of Vijesh Panathur, who previously co-directed Nadikalil Sundari Yamuna (2023). The story was penned by Panathur himself, with a screenplay by newcomer Sreehari Vadakkan. The film is produced by Navarasa Films, in association with Karthik Subbaraj’s Stone Bench Studio.[3]
Casting
In early 2025, Ganapathi and Sagar Surya were cast as the leads. The film features Kalabhavan Navas in one of his final film roles before his passing.
Filming
Principal photography began in June 2025 in Kochi. The film was primarily shot in a college hostel setting in Ernakulam and rural locations in Kannur. Filming was completed in multiple schedules and wrapped up in late 2025.[4]
Release
Theatrical
The film was released in theatres on 30 January 2026.[5]
Reception
Critical Response
Vivek Santhosh of Cinema Express gave the film 3/5 stars, stating that while the first half was "hit and miss," the film "clicks once it embraces its madness" in the second half.[1] Onmanorama noted that while the film lacks the emotional depth of contemporary dramas, it succeeds as a fun hostel-life entertainer with "hilarious incidents that drive the narrative."[6]
References
- ^ a b "Prakambanam Movie Review: A horror comedy saved by playful chaos". Cinema Express. 30 January 2026. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
- ^ "'Prakambanam' title poster released: Ganapathi and Sagar Surya in lead roles". The Times of India. 7 April 2025.
- ^ "Ganapathi and Sagar Surya's Prakambanam launched". Cinema Express. 16 June 2025.
- ^ "It's a wrap for Ganapathi and Sagar Surya's Prakambanam". Cinema Express. 21 January 2026.
- ^ "Ganapathi-Sagar Surya's Prakambanam to release on Jan 30". Asianet News. 26 January 2026.
- ^ "'Prakambanam' review: Sagar Surya, Ganapathi turn hostel horror-comedy into a fun ride". Onmanorama. 30 January 2026. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
External links
Prakambanam at IMDb