Fahadh Faasil ventures into uncharted territory with “Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira,” an absurdist black comedy that showcases both his versatility and the film’s inconsistent execution. This Malayalam film, written and directed by Althaf Salim, released on August 29, 2025, and received mixed reviews from critics, proving to be a box-office disappointment before finding favorable reception on OTT platforms.
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Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira Movie Overview and Cast Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira (Galloping Horse, Jumping Horse) |
| Release Date | August 29, 2025 |
| Director | Althaf Salim |
| Lead Cast | Fahadh Faasil, Kalyani Priyadarshan |
| Supporting Cast | Revathi Pillai, Lal, Vinay Forrt, Suresh Krishna |
| Genre | Absurdist Black Comedy |
| Music | Justin Varghese |
| Box Office | Commercial Disappointment |
Plot and Fahadh’s Performance
With this film, Fahadh Faasil has attempted to push himself into untested territory. Aby is unlike any character he has taken on before. The story follows Aby, who gets jilted at his wedding and encounters various absurd situations that blend comedy with existential themes.
Critics noted that Fahadh’s character Eby is “guilty of the same” over-the-top behavior that plagues the film, with The Week describing him as potentially miscast in this “unfunny, disjointed, and messy romantic comedy.”
Critical Reception and Reviews
Mixed Critical Response: Despite mixed reception, critics acknowledged that “it’s next to impossible not to get lost in what ‘Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira’ is trying to say,” describing it as “a perplexing mix of fantastic and frustrating.”
Director’s Vision: In interviews leading up to the release, director Althaf Salim described his film as being “in the mould of a Jason Reitman comedy,” indicating ambitious artistic goals that didn’t fully translate on screen.
The OTT Redemption Story
While the film was a box-office bomb in theaters, it received more favorable reviews once released on OTT platforms, suggesting that its unconventional style found a more receptive audience in the streaming format.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What Works: The film represents “a risky experiment that somehow blends depression with black humor,” showing director Althaf Salim’s bold approach to filmmaking, similar to his previous work “Njandukalude Naattil Oridavela.”
What Doesn’t: The primary criticism centers around inconsistency in tone and execution. Critics found the film generates only “a couple of laughs here and there” with audiences struggling to connect with the absurdist humor.
Supporting Cast Performance
Lal, playing Fahadh’s father, receives particular praise for lighting up scenes with his performance. The supporting ensemble including Kalyani Priyadarshan, Revathi Pillai, and Vinay Forrt contribute to the film’s chaotic energy, though “the performances of almost the entire cast can get gratingly frustrating at times.”
Audience Reception
The film opened on August 29, 2025, with early audience reactions emerging online, showing mixed responses from Malayalam cinema fans during the Onam season. Social media reactions revealed a divided audience, with some appreciating the experimental nature while others found it disappointing.
Technical Aspects
Justin Varghese’s music composition adds to the film’s quirky atmosphere, while the production values by Ashiq Usman Productions maintain professional standards despite the unconventional storytelling approach.
Final Verdict
“Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira” stands as a brave but flawed attempt at absurdist comedy in Malayalam cinema. While Fahadh Faasil’s willingness to experiment deserves appreciation, the film’s inconsistent execution prevents it from achieving its ambitious goals. It’s a movie that might find its audience among viewers who appreciate experimental cinema and Fahadh’s range as an actor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is “Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira” worth watching despite mixed reviews?
A: The film is worth watching for Fahadh Faasil fans and those who appreciate experimental Malayalam cinema. While it received mixed theatrical reviews and was a box-office disappointment, it found more favorable reception on OTT platforms. Director Althaf Salim’s absurdist black comedy represents a risky experiment that blends depression with humor, though its inconsistent execution may not appeal to mainstream audiences.
Q: What makes this Fahadh Faasil film different from his usual roles?
A: This film sees Fahadh Faasil pushing himself into completely untested territory, with his character Aby being unlike any role he has taken on before. The absurdist black comedy format allows him to explore different acting dimensions, though critics noted the performance can feel over-the-top at times. Released on August 29, 2025, alongside Kalyani Priyadarshan, it showcases his versatility despite the film’s mixed reception.
