The Malayalam film 'Pennu Case', which hit theatres on January 16, 2026, presents a fascinating concept that ultimately fails to deliver a compelling cinematic experience. Directed by Febin Sidharth, this drama-comedy has received a lukewarm 2.0 rating from critics on The Times of India, with users echoing the same score.
An Intriguing Plot That Captivates Initially
The film opens with a highly engaging setup. A group of more than ten men, who are part of a WhatsApp group ironically named 'Men’s Army', descend upon the long-awaited wedding of Suresh, played by Aju Varghese. Their mission is singular and dramatic: to expose the bride. They allege that she has conned each of them by marrying them under different identities. As the chaotic events at the wedding unfold, even more men arrive, all claiming to be husbands of the same woman, forcing the situation into a police investigation. The central question driving the narrative is whether the truth behind this multi-husband mystery will finally be revealed.
Where 'Pennu Case' Falls Short: Execution and Performance
Despite its quirky and promising premise, the film quickly stumbles in its execution. A significant portion of the story is confined to a police station, with Hakkim Shah portraying the officer in charge of the bizarre case. The review from The Times of India, dated January 11, 2026, points out that the writing, editing, and direction are consistently weak. The narrative lacks a coherent rhythm, and scenes struggle to build either genuine humour or suspense. The comedy, which is a crucial pillar for the film, largely falls flat due to poor timing and ineffective editing.
The performances also fail to elevate the material. Hakkim Shah, often seen as a promising actor, turns in one of his weakest performances, hampered primarily by a poorly written character. Nikhila Vimal, who plays the enigmatic bride at the centre of the storm, doesn't bring anything new to the table. Her portrayal feels repetitive, relying on familiar expressions without adding the necessary depth to such a complex character.
A Missed Opportunity for Meaningful Commentary
The film attempts to position itself around its female lead but does not succeed in becoming a substantive women-centric narrative. Simply having a woman in the central role or giving her more screen time is not enough. 'Pennu Case' fails to meaningfully explore its female character's motivations or offer any strong commentary on modern relationships, deception, or societal norms. It remains a superficial treatment of what could have been a sharp social satire.
In conclusion, 'Pennu Case' is a classic example of a missed opportunity. An interesting and original idea is let down by subpar writing, underwhelming performances, and flawed technical execution. The final product is an underwhelming watch that struggles to rise above its numerous shortcomings, resulting in the disappointing 2.0 rating from critics and audiences alike.
