Prem Sankar’s Thekku Vadakku is an exploration of the fragile male ego, entrenched rivalries, and societal hypocrisies set against a rural backdrop. Featuring power-packed performances by Vinayakan and Suraj Venjaramoodu, the film uses comedy, satire, and drama to tell the story of two men whose lifelong rivalry is the driving force of the narrative. However, despite its strong performances and promising premise, the film struggles to fully capitalize on its potential.
Thekku Vadakku Malayalam Movie Review

Contents
Thekku Vadakku Malayalam Movie Plot Summary:
Madhavan (Vinayakan) and Shankunni (Suraj Venjaramoodu) have been rivals since childhood, a rivalry that stems from their fathers’ longstanding animosity. Living in the same village and often crossing paths, the two have clashed over even the pettiest issues. Their 30-year feud, centered around a piece of land and an old building, becomes the symbol of their fragile egos. Despite being past their prime, their obsession with one-upping each other has not diminished. The film unfolds in flashbacks as their sons, left to settle the dispute after their deaths, narrate the tales of their fathers’ never-ending squabbles. What follows is an examination of these men’s relentless attempts to prove their masculinity and supremacy over one another.
Thekku Vadakku Malayalam Movie Cast:
- Vinayakan as Madhavan
- Suraj Venjaramoodu as Shankunni
- Shameer Khan in a supporting role
Thekku Vadakku Malayalam Movie Review:
At the heart of Thekku Vadakku is an engaging premise of lifelong rivalries that examines the shallow nature of the male ego. Director Prem Sankar sets the stage with Madhavan and Shankunni’s absurd obsession with winning a land dispute that has defined their lives. However, while the premise holds promise, the execution leaves much to be desired. The film opens with the death of both protagonists, setting the stage for their sons to take over the mantle of rivalry. This predictability hampers what could have been a more dynamic narrative.

The film’s flashback structure provides an opportunity to explore how Madhavan and Shankunni’s animosity shapes their lives, but it also limits the depth of the story. While the comedy is effective in moments, it is often too reliant on the performances of Vinayakan and Suraj, who manage to infuse life into an otherwise predictable script. Despite the strong acting, the humor tends to fall flat at times, with much of it stemming from exaggerated portrayals of older Malayali men’s idiosyncrasies.
What Works:
- Performances: Both Vinayakan and Suraj Venjaramoodu shine in their respective roles. Vinayakan’s portrayal of Madhavan is nuanced and memorable, while Suraj ensures that Shankunni feels fresh, despite similarities to characters he has played in the past. Their chemistry and timing are the highlights of the film.
- Social Satire: The film attempts to critique the hypocrisies of society, particularly the male fixation on ego and outdated traditions. One notable scene features a politician promoting an anti-caste message while simultaneously highlighting his own caste identity, underscoring the performative nature of such declarations.
- Character Development: Madhavan and Shankunni are well-developed characters, and the film provides ample space for their personalities to shine through. Madhavan’s quirks, such as his knowledge of court procedures and his obsession with Western culture, add depth to his character.
What Doesn’t Work:
- Underwhelming Narrative: Despite a strong foundation, the narrative loses steam as it progresses. The flashback structure, while initially intriguing, becomes predictable, and the humor fails to evolve. The film lacks the sharpness needed to sustain the social commentary it aims for.
- Uneven Comedy: While there are moments of humor, the jokes often feel forced. The film struggles to maintain a consistent tone, oscillating between comedy and drama without finding a cohesive balance. The dialogue, while well-written on paper, often sounds awkward when spoken aloud.
- Missed Opportunities for Satire: Although the film attempts to satirize the hypocrisies of society, it doesn’t fully commit to this tone. By the midpoint, the film abandons its social commentary and focuses solely on the rivalry between Madhavan and Shankunni, limiting the scope of the satire.
Thekku Vadakku Malayalam Movie Cast Performances:
- Vinayakan: As Madhavan, Vinayakan delivers a standout performance, bringing both intensity and subtlety to the role. His portrayal of a man trapped by his ego and past rivalries is both tragic and humorous.
- Suraj Venjaramoodu: Suraj once again proves his versatility as an actor. His portrayal of Shankunni is both amusing and endearing, and he manages to avoid the trap of redundancy despite having played similar roles before.
- Shameer Khan: Though in a supporting role, Shameer provides comic relief and performs admirably, adding to the overall comedic tone of the film.
Thekku Vadakku Malayalam Movie Technical Aspects:
- Direction: Prem Sankar’s direction shows promise, but he struggles to maintain a consistent tone. The film would have benefited from a stronger focus on either satire or comedy, rather than trying to balance both.
- Music: Sam CS’s background score is often overwhelming and detracts from the experience, but the songs are a saving grace, particularly the catchy Kasa Kasa.
- Cinematography: The overuse of close-ups limits the film’s visual storytelling, and while the film captures the rural setting well, it misses the opportunity to enhance the narrative with its visuals.
- Costumes and Makeup: The film’s costumes and makeup, particularly those of Madhavan and Shankunni, are commendable and contribute to the authenticity of the characters.
Verdict:
Thekku Vadakku is a film that showcases strong performances but falls short of delivering on its promising premise. The rivalry between Madhavan and Shankunni offers moments of entertainment, but the film’s inability to sustain its social satire and uneven comedic tone prevents it from becoming a truly memorable experience. While Vinayakan and Suraj Venjaramoodu elevate the material, the film ultimately feels like a missed opportunity for sharper social commentary.
Thekku Vadakku Malayalam Movie Director:
Director: Prem Sankar
Thekku Vadakku Malayalam Movie Writer:
Writer: S. Hareesh
Thekku Vadakku Malayalam Movie Rating:
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ 2/5 Stars.
Where to Watch Thekku Vadakku Malayalam Movie:
Currently running in theaters.
FAQs: (Frequently Asked Questions)
- What is Thekku Vadakku about?
Thekku Vadakku is a Malayalam film that centers around the lifelong rivalry between two men, Madhavan and Shankunni, and how their petty feud over land shapes their lives and those around them. - Who are the lead actors in Thekku Vadakku?
The film stars Vinayakan as Madhavan and Suraj Venjaramoodu as Shankunni. - What genre does Thekku Vadakku belong to?
Thekku Vadakku is a comedy-drama with elements of social satire. - Is Thekku Vadakku worth watching?
The film offers strong performances by the lead actors and has moments of humor, but it falls short of fully realizing its potential as a satirical comedy. - Who directed Thekku Vadakku?
The film was directed by Prem Sankar. - What are the main themes of Thekku Vadakku?
The film explores themes such as the fragility of the male ego, generational conflicts, and societal hypocrisies. - How is the music in Thekku Vadakku?
Sam CS’s background score is often overwhelming, but the songs, especially Kasa Kasa, are memorable. - Is Thekku Vadakku a family-friendly film?
Yes, the film’s comedic and dramatic elements make it suitable for a family audience. - What is the runtime of Thekku Vadakku?
The runtime of the film is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. - Where can I watch Thekku Vadakku?
Thekku Vadakku is currently playing in theaters.
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