Mollywood has all the time had a robust affinity for horror comedies. Up to now, even movies marketed as straight horror normally featured a number of comic stretches, a balance that worked well with audiences. Nevertheless, lately, horror comedies have clearly emerged as a definite genre, separate from standard horror, with filmmakers consciously leaning into humor as much as scares. This evolution has resulted in several notable successes, including Aakasha Ganga (1999), Adi Kapyare Kootamani (2015), Romancham (2023), Hello Mummy (2024), and Sumathi Valavu (2025), amongst many others. Against this wealthy backdrop of Malayalam horror comedies, the main focus today is on the recently released OTT title Nellikkampoyil Night Riders, and whether it’s value your time.
Nellikkampoyil Night Riders: Plot & Storyline
Set within the early 2000s in a distant village called Nellikkampoyil, the story revolves around locals who imagine that Kooli, a god-like supernatural being worshipped by the people, is the protector of their land. Soon, nonetheless, suspicion arises that Kooli is unhappy with the villagers following the looks of a terrifying creature with a person’s body and a cattle’s legs, which prowls the village at night.
Against this backdrop, the protagonist Shyam, played by Mathew Thomas, has a blossoming romantic relationship with Dhanya, portrayed by Meenakshi Unnikrishnan. When Dhanya is attacked by the mysterious creature, Shyam and his friends step in to uncover who is admittedly behind the fear. Before facing the enemy, whether supernatural or human, Shyam must first confront and overcome his own personal challenges.
Should You Watch Nellikkampoyil Night Riders?
Overall, the film is technically sound. Abilash Shankar’s cinematography, especially the night sequences, stands out, while music composers Neha Nair and Yakzan Gary Pereira do an efficient job of making the best atmosphere and mood. The art direction and costumes also suit the period the film goals to portray.
Nevertheless, the script is where the film falters. The writing is essentially predictable, and most characters feel underwritten and shallow. To make matters worse, the performances are uneven. They usually are not outright bad, but they lack the conviction needed to raise the fabric. Some comedic moments work, while others fall flat.
In the long run, Nellikkampoyil Night Riders is a movie you possibly can watch a minimum of once, but it surely stays a largely forgettable experience. The film is currently streaming on ZEE5.
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