Malayalam Surprise Hit 'Prakambanam' Announces ZEE5 Digital Premiere for Early March
The recent Malayalam theatrical sensation 'Prakambanam' is officially preparing for its highly anticipated digital debut. According to exclusive reports from OTT Play, the streaming rights for the film have been secured by the major platform ZEE5, with an official release window scheduled for early March. This move brings the acclaimed horror-comedy to a wider national audience following its impressive box office run.
A Comic Spin on Spiritual Chaos and College Life
The film delivers a hilarious and unique narrative centered on spiritual mishaps. 'Prakambanam' follows the chaotic adventures of three final-year college friends whose lives are upended by a bizarre supernatural incident. The trio consists of Sidhu, portrayed by Ganapathi, Punyalan, played by Sagar Surya, and Shankaran, enacted by Al Ameen. Their student life is filled with typical rivalries, hostel politics, and impulsive decisions.
The central plot is triggered when Jithu secretly attempts to perform salvation rituals for his grandmother, hiding the act from his atheist father and uncle. After postponing the rites, a comical accident occurs where Punyalan accidentally inhales the grandmother's ashes. This leads to his unexpected possession by her spirit, setting off a chain of increasingly absurd and humorous events. The movie masterfully blends elements of seriousness with laugh-out-loud comedy, creating a distinctive cinematic experience.
Strong Ensemble Cast and Vibrant Kochi Setting
The film features a robust supporting cast that enhances its comedic depth. Key performances are delivered by Sheetal Joseph, Azeez Nedumangad, P P Kunjikrishnan, and the veteran Mallika Sukumaran. A significant portion of the story unfolds within a lively men's hostel in Kochi, which serves as the primary stage for the escalating comic tension and group dynamics. This setting authentically captures the essence of Malayali youth culture and camaraderie.
Remarkable Box Office Performance on a Modest Budget
Despite being produced on a modest budget of approximately Rs 5 crore, 'Prakambanam' has transformed into a significant theatrical success. Data from the Sacnilk website reveals an extraordinary surge in collections on its 23rd day, earning around 34 lakh rupees. This represents a massive 61.9% increase from the previous day's 21 lakh rupees. With this sustained performance, the film's total India net earnings have reached an impressive 13.28 crore, while its gross collections have touched approximately 15.67 crore, showcasing its strong audience pull and word-of-mouth popularity.
Critical Acclaim and Genre Comparisons
In its review, ETimes highlighted the film's unique positioning, stating: "Prakambanam positions itself clearly as a horror comedy, where the thrills exist mainly to amplify humour. After its eerie, yet playful, opening in Chembaka Veedu, the film shifts gears to a men's hostel in Kochi... An accidental mix up involving the grandmother's ashes becomes the spark that pulls them into a series of bizarre, spooky situations, most of which spiral into comedy rather than fear."
The review further draws comparisons to other successful Malayalam films like 'Romancham' and 'Adi Kapyare Kootamani', noting that 'Prakambanam' similarly relies on group panic, exaggerated reactions, and situational chaos to ensure that laughter consistently outweighs horror. This approach has resonated well with both critics and audiences, cementing its status as a standout entry in the genre.
The digital premiere on ZEE5 is expected to introduce this Malayalam gem to viewers across India, allowing more people to experience its blend of supernatural comedy and heartfelt storytelling. Fans and new audiences alike can look forward to streaming this hit film starting in early March.
