
Mammootty’s much-talked-about serial killer film Kalamkaval: The Venom Beneath is all set for its OTT release. (Photo: X, Canva)
Kalamkaval OTT: The cinematic wait is finally over for movie buffs and fans of Malayalam crime thrillers. Mammootty’s much-talked-about serial killer film Kalamkaval: The Venom Beneath is all set for its OTT release, giving audiences another chance to experience the gripping investigation drama from the comfort of their homes. The movie is based on the real life story of Mohan Kumar Vivekanand aka Cyanide Mohan.
After a successful theatrical run and best movie appreciation the film is now ready to reach a wider digital audience.
Mammootty’s Kalamkaval will begin streaming on SonyLIV from January 16. The Malayalam-language crime action thriller will be available exclusively on the platform.
Where to watch: SonyLIV
Streaming date: January 16, 2026
Language: Malayalam
Runtime: 2 hours and 24 minutes
Directed by debutant Jithin K. Jose, Kalamkaval features a brilliant cast led by Mammootty and Vinayakan.
Cast:
Mammootty
Vinayakan
Gibin Gopinath
Gayatri Arun
Rajisha Vijayan
Shruti Ramachandran
Azees Nedumangad
Kunchan
Biju Pappan
Malavika Menon
The film is produced by Mammootty Kampany, with the screenplay co-written by Jithin K. Jose and Jishnu Sreekumar.
The background score and soundtrack are composed by Mujeeb Majeed, that received praise for enhancing the film’s tense atmosphere.
Released in theatres on December 5, last year. Kalamkaval emerged as one of the most successful Malayalam films of the year. The film received largely positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, with particular praise for the performances of Mammootty and Vinayakan, its narration, cinematography, music, and tightly written screenplay.
At the box office, Kalamkaval went on to become the 5th highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2025 and is counted among the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.
Set in early-2000s Kerala, the film follows Sub-Inspector Jayakrishnan, who begins investigating what appears to be a routine case of local unrest following the elopement of a young woman. However, as the inquiry deepens, he starts noticing troubling inconsistencies that suggest something far more sinister.
The investigation uncovers a chilling pattern several women from rural areas, mostly divorced, widowed, or unmarried, have gone missing over the years. Each victim was last seen with the same unidentified man.
Even more disturbing is the discovery that the murders alternate between Kerala and rural Tamil Nadu, indicating a calculated inter-state killing spree.
The police learn that each victim’s phone is used to lure the next, forming a continuous chain of murders. To strengthen the probe near the border, a Malayali police officer posted close to the Thiruvananthapuram–Tamil Nadu border, Stanley Das, joins the team.
Despite multiple attempts, the investigators fail to trap the killer, with every lead ending in a dead end. Suspicion briefly falls on a constable named Mani, but a witness account from a bus driver leads to a sketch that shocks the entire team the face resembles Stanley himself. The case takes a decisive turn when Vidya, a survivor who escaped the killer, confirms Stanley’s identity.
Unaware that he has been exposed, Stanley continues to work alongside Jayakrishnan. The film builds toward a tense climax at a lodge, where Stanley realizes too late that the police have identified him.
A violent confrontation follows, ending with Stanley being overpowered and placed in the trunk of a car. However, the final moments hint that the killer may still be alive, leaving viewers with a chilling conclusion.
With its dark theme, layered investigation, and powerful performances, Kalamkaval stands out as one of Mammootty’s most compelling crime thrillers in recent years. The OTT release makes it an ideal watch for fans of serial killer dramas and investigative thrillers.
If you missed it in theatres or want to revisit the mind blowing narrative, Kalamkaval will be streaming on SonyLIV from January 16 onwards. Get ready.
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Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes journalism plays a crucial role in amplifying unheard voices and bringing attention to issues that truly matter. Sofia has contributed articles to The New Indian Express, Youth Ki Awaaz, and Maktoob Media. She is also a recipient of the 2025 Laadli Media Awards for gender sensitivity. Beyond the newsroom, she is a music enthusiast who enjoys singing. Connect with Sofia on X: https://x.com/SBCism
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