‘Prakambanam’ review: Sagar Surya, Ganapathi turn hostel horror-comedy into a fun, yet predictable ride

College life has always been a vibrant cocktail of youthful idealism, budding romances, and the fiery clashes of political rivalries—an environment ripe for cinematic exploration. In recent years, however, filmmakers have turned their gaze increasingly toward the gritty, carefree world of hostels, providing a window into the laid-back, often reckless rhythm of bachelor life, complete with late-night parties and alcohol-fueled mischief. But what happens when this carefree existence collides with the supernatural?

Enter debut director Vijesh Panathur, who takes us on a chaotic ride with ‘Prakambanam’ where the adventurous hostel life is compounded by ghostly misadventures. Mixing elements of horror with a dose of comedy, the film carves out a narrative that feels both familiar and amusingly absurd.

Starring Sagar Surya, Ameen, and Ganapathi in the lead roles, ‘Prakambanam’ carries some flavours reminiscent of films like ‘Adi Kapyare Kootamani,’ one of the early Malayalam films to blend the two genres with success. Set against the backdrop of a college campus, the story revolves around a group of final-year students who support their friend Siddhu (Ganapathi’s) dream of becoming the college chairperson.

Their quirky, yet strangely motivating vow is to only break open a large bottle of liquor in their room if they emerge victorious in the election. The promise becomes their driving force, propelling them through a series of comedic and nerve-wracking situations. However, this changes after a family event that alters the course of the narrative.
While ‘Prakambanam’ primarily revolves around the dynamics of hostel life, it also delves into family matters, where emotional storytelling plays a crucial role.

However, unlike 'Sarvam Maya,' which had successfully integrated emotional depth through its exploration of family bonds, 'Prakambanam' does not have a strong emotional hook, even though there is focus on the relationship between the grandmother, portrayed by Mallika Sukumaran, and her grandson Siddhu.

Despite that, ‘Prakambanam’ stands out for its series of hilarious incidents that drive the narrative. And even when the storyline may seem exaggerated at times, the writers Vijesh and Sreehari manage to tone it down through their skilled writing. The film also shows a willingness to be more adventurous in its treatment of faith and religious beliefs. Additionally, the film does not shy away from taking subtle digs at contemporary politics, which gives way to some truly laugh-out-loud moments that are worth revisiting.

The performances play a crucial role in infusing life and energy into the film. Actor Sagar Surya who recently won a Special Jury Mention in the recent Kerala State Film Awards for his work in ‘Pani’ once again steps out of his comfort zone, reaffirming his willingness to take creative risks through his portrayal of Punnyalan in ‘Prakambanam’. Ganapathi, Ameen, Mallika Sukumaran, Rajesh Madhavan and Sheethal, also complement him well, bringing the right balance of energy and engagement to the screen.

‘Prakambanam’ also marks the final on-screen appearance of the late actor Kalabhavan Navas.
The soundtrack of ‘Prakambanam,’ composed by Bibin Ashok—best known for his viral 2025 track Onam Mood—features a lively mix of upbeat rhythms and melodic tunes that perfectly complement the film's hostel setting. The music helps elevate the energetic, youthful atmosphere essential for this kind of story. In addition, the background score, crafted by Shankar Sharma, plays a crucial role in the horror-comedy genre. He wisely keeps the sound minimal, only intensifying it when the scene demands, which helps maintain the right balance of suspense and humor. Another standout element is the art direction by Ajith Achuthan, which adds a unique visual flair

Overall, ‘Prakambanam’offers a story that is engaging and easy to digest, though it leaves room for more inventive twists and some more emotion, that could have made it a truly fun experience.