Nellikkampoyil Night Riders: A Forgettable Fright

Malayalam cinema has a longstanding fondness for the horror-comedy genre, which has evolved into a distinct category. Nellikkampoyil Night Riders, recently released on ZEE5, attempts to add to this legacy. The story is set in the early 2000s in Nellikkampoyil, where villagers revere Kooli, a supernatural protector.

Suspicion grows that Kooli is displeased following the appearance of a frightening creature that haunts the village nightly. The protagonist, Shyam, portrayed by Mathew Thomas, must unravel the mystery after his love interest is attacked.

Technically, the film is competently made, with standout cinematography, effective music, and appropriate art direction. However, its script is predictable, and characters lack depth. Performances are inconsistent, failing to elevate the material, resulting in a film that, despite some comedic moments, remains a forgettable watch.