Malayalam cinema’s latest dark comedy sensation, Marana Mass, has completed its successful theatrical run and is now available for streaming. The film premiered on SonyLIV from May 15, 2025, in Malayalam along with dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, bringing the quirky “Banana Killer” story to audiences worldwide. Here’s everything you need to know about this unconventional thriller that’s taking OTT platforms by storm.
Table of Contents
Marana Mass OTT Release Date: Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Platform | SonyLIV, OTTplay Premium |
| OTT Release Date | May 15, 2025 |
| Theatrical Release | April 10, 2025 (Vishu) |
| Languages Available | Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada |
| Director | Sivaprasad (Directorial Debut) |
| Lead Cast | Basil Joseph, Rajesh Madhavan, Anishma Anilkumar |
| Genre | Dark Comedy, Psychological Thriller |
| Rating | U/A 13+ |
| IMDb Rating | 6.5/10 |
| Box Office Status | Hit |
What Makes Marana Mass Special?
The Banana Killer Mystery
Marana Mass revolves around Kerala gripped in fear as a serial killer starts kidnapping elderly men, hammering them to death, and dumping their bodies with a banana stuffed in their mouths. This twisted murderer, nicknamed the “Banana Killer,” specifically targets elderly men, leaving behind his signature: a Poovan banana tucked in the victim’s mouth.
Suspicion quickly falls on the eccentric Luke PP, played brilliantly by Basil Joseph, whose infamous antics like burning down a school staff room and leaking a politician’s search history have earned him a destructive reputation in the village. As the investigation unfolds, Luke is also dealing with personal turmoil following a breakup with his love interest Jessie.
Not Your Typical Mass Padam
The film carries the tagline “Not a Mass Padam”, signaling its departure from conventional commercial entertainers. Instead of glorifying violence or showcasing over-the-top heroics, Marana Mass embraces absurdist humor and satirical commentary on contemporary issues.
The film is praised for its absurdist tone and satirical take on toxic masculinity, balancing dark humor with suspense while offering a fresh perspective on the serial killer genre. This unique approach differentiates it from typical Malayalam thrillers, making it a standout in 2025’s crowded release slate.
Critical Reception and Reviews
Marana Mass opened to positive reviews from both critics and audiences. Writing for Onmanorama, Princy Alexander praised the film, noting that while most serial killer films take the dark route, Maranamass leaves no space for fear even when an entire village knows a serial killer is loose, instead weaving confusion and chaos with plenty of laughs.
Avinash Ramachandran of The Indian Express rated it 3/5, highlighting the film’s ability to pull viewers in from the first frame and praising how laughs keep coming throughout. He noted the film’s grey, over-the-top, and blasphemous nature while wishing the makers had gone even crazier with the premise.
India Today’s Janani K called it “yet another great attempt at dark comedy from Malayalam cinema,” mentioning that performances and quirky characters make it an enjoyable affair despite some drawbacks.
Behind the Scenes
The film was announced on April 9, 2024, by actor Tovino Thomas, who co-produced the film under his banner Tovino Thomas Productions along with Raphael Pozholiparambil of Raphael Productions and Thanzeer Salam of Worldwide Films. This marks the directorial debut of Sivaprasad, who co-wrote the script with Romancham fame Siju Sunny.
The first look poster was released on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025, with Basil Joseph appearing as a funky-haired sigma male, immediately generating buzz on social media. The casting of veteran actor Babu Antony as DYSP Ajay Ramachandran, who investigates the serial killings while being distraught about his missing dog Pakru, added gravitas to the ensemble.
Supporting performances from Siju Sunny as bus conductor Aruvi and Suresh Krishna as driver Jikku add depth to the narrative, with each character contributing to the film’s chaotic, interconnected storyline.
Basil Joseph’s Winning Streak Continues
Basil Joseph has emerged as a bankable star with a slew of hits, delivering successes like Ponman, Sookshmadarshini, Nunakuzhi, and Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil in 2024. Marana Mass continues this impressive streak, proving his versatility across comedy, thriller, and drama genres.
His portrayal of Luke PP showcases his range – from playing a self-proclaimed “sigma male” influencer creating chaos in his village to becoming the prime suspect in serial murders. Basil has recently joined the sets of Sudha Kongara’s Parasakthi, marking his Tamil debut with stars like Sivakarthikeyan, Jayam Ravi, Atharvaa Murali, and Sreeleela.
Box Office Performance
The film was released on April 10, 2025, coinciding with Vishu, to positive reviews from critics. Despite facing competition from Bazooka and Alappuzha Gymkhana, Marana Mass displayed its box office power and emerged as a successful affair. After spending nearly four weeks in theaters, it transitioned to OTT with strong word-of-mouth and positive reception intact.
The theatrical success, combined with the early OTT release, demonstrates the film’s widespread appeal and Malayalam cinema’s current trend of delivering content-driven entertainers that resonate with diverse audiences.
Where to Watch Marana Mass Online
Stream Marana Mass exclusively on SonyLIV starting May 15, 2025. The film is available in five languages, making it accessible to pan-Indian audiences. Whether you prefer Malayalam’s original flavor or dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, or Kannada, you can enjoy this quirky thriller from home.
For more Malayalam cinema updates, OTT releases, and entertainment news, visit TechnoSports, your comprehensive source for South Indian film coverage.
Why You Should Watch Marana Mass
Unique Storytelling: The film offers a refreshing take on serial killer narratives, blending dark comedy with psychological thriller elements rarely seen in mainstream cinema.
Strong Performances: Basil Joseph delivers a career-defining performance, supported excellently by Rajesh Madhavan, Babu Antony, and the ensemble cast.
Social Commentary: Beyond entertainment, the film satirizes toxic masculinity, influencer culture, and small-town dynamics with sharp, witty observations.
Technical Excellence: Neeraj Revi’s cinematography, Jay Unnithan’s music, and Chaman Chacko’s editing create a cohesive visual and auditory experience that enhances the narrative.
Explore more regional cinema releases and trending entertainment content at TechnoSports.
FAQs
Q: When and where can I watch Marana Mass online?
Marana Mass is streaming on SonyLIV from May 15, 2025, available in Malayalam and dubbed versions of Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada languages. The film is also available on OTTplay Premium. You can watch it by subscribing to SonyLIV through their website or mobile app. The OTT release came approximately one month after its theatrical premiere on April 10, 2025, which is relatively quick compared to typical 45-60 day windows. The multi-language availability expands its reach beyond Malayalam-speaking audiences, allowing viewers across India to experience this unique dark comedy thriller. The film carries a U/A 13+ rating, making it suitable for teenage and adult audiences with parental guidance recommended for younger viewers.
Q: What is Marana Mass about and why is it called the Banana Killer film?
Marana Mass follows the story of a serial killer in Kerala nicknamed the “Banana Killer” who kidnaps elderly men, hammers them to death, and leaves a Poovan banana stuffed in their mouths as his signature. The prime suspect becomes Luke PP, played by Basil Joseph, an eccentric troublemaker known for burning down a school staff room and leaking politicians’ search histories. The investigation is led by DYSP Ajay Ramachandran, who is simultaneously distraught about his missing dog Pakru, adding another layer of dark comedy. The film is praised for its absurdist tone and satirical take on toxic masculinity, offering a fresh perspective on the serial killer genre by balancing dark humor with suspense. Rather than taking the typical grim approach of serial killer films, Marana Mass creates confusion and chaos while maintaining comedic elements throughout, making it a unique entry in Malayalam cinema’s dark comedy subgenre.
