Soothravakyam (2025) is one of the most anticipated Indian films of the year, blending family, comedy, drama, and thriller genres. Directed by Eugien Jos Chirammel and starring Shine Tom Chacko, this Malayalam-language film was released theatrically on July 11, 2025 in India and internationally. ([turn0search12], [turn0search2])
Movie Overview
Soothravakyam is a heartwarming social drama interwoven with mystery elements. The story centers on Circle Inspector Christo Xavier (Shine Tom Chacko), who doubles as a maths tutor to 11th-grade students, turning his police station into a community hub. When a student goes missing, what begins as a gentle schoolhouse story escalates into a gripping investigation, exposing the raw undercurrents in a Palakkad village. ([turn0search0], [turn0search3])
The narrative uniquely balances everyday warmth with an undercurrent of tension, exploring trust, responsibility, and community ties. Small-town Kerala comes alive through nuanced ending scenes and a storyline that pivots from everyday humor to emotional suspense. ([turn0search9])
Attribute Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Soothravakyam |
| Genre | Family, Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Thriller |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Release Date | July 11, 2025 |
| Director | Eugien Jos Chirammel |
| Writer | Rejin S. Babu |
Introduction & Background
Directed by debutant Eugien Jos Chirammel, and based on a screenplay by Rejin S. Babu, Soothravakyam was produced by Srikanth Kandragula under the Cinema Bandi banner, with international distribution by Zineverse Motion Pictures. The film premiered on July 11, 2025, in India and expanded to global markets including GCC countries and Australia. ([turn0search12], [turn0search2], [turn0search9])
Cast & Crew
- Lead Actor: Shine Tom Chacko as CI Christo Xavier
- Co-stars: Vincy Aloshious, Deepak Parambol, Srikanth Kandragula, Binoj Villya, Meenakshi Madhavi, Nazeef, Anagha, Divya M. Nair ([turn0search12], [turn0search3])
- Director: Eugien Jos Chirammel
- Writer: Rejin S. Babu
- Producer: Srikanth Kandragula (Cinema Bandi)
- Cinematography: Sreeram Chandrasekharan
- Editing: Nithish KTR
- Music: Jean P Johnson; Lyrics by Manu Manjith
- Distributor: Zineverse, Century, PHF, 2G Entertainment ([turn0search12])
Production & Release Timeline
The film was officially launched with a pooja ceremony at Kochi’s Anchumana Temple on October 27, 2024. Principal photography was completed by December 20, 2024 after shooting over two months. Though initially scheduled for an earlier summer release, it was postponed to July 11, 2025 to refine post-production and marketing efforts. ([turn0search4], [turn0search5], [turn0search8])
Storyline & Themes
The story unfolds in a rural setting where Christo Xavier’s double role—police officer by day and tutor by evening—becomes the narrative fulcrum. His connection with students and a schoolteacher (Vincy Aloshious) offers a gentle introduction before a missing student triggers a deeper social mystery. The film weaves slices of friendship, mentorship, and community dynamics with emotional stakes and undercurrents of suspense. ([turn0search0], [turn0search3], [turn0search1])
Reception & Critique
**Critical Reviews** – *The Times of India* rated the film 2.5/5, noting its “gentle cop drama” tone and praising emotional sincerity even as the screenplay was seen as loose and uneven. ([turn0search0]) – *Indian Express* found Shine Tom Chacko’s performance serviceable but pointed out that Vincy Aloshious’s role felt underwritten, and that the narrative structure lacked depth and cohesion. ([turn0search11])
**Audience Response** The film connected with audiences, particularly resonating for its community-centered storytelling, authentic performances (especially Shine Tom Chacko’s layered portrayal), and fresh setting. International viewers, especially in GCC and Australia, responded well to its warm rural charm and emotional authenticity. ([turn0search9])
Controversies & Challenges
In April 2025, Vincy Aloshious filed a formal complaint against co-star Shine Tom Chacko, alleging misconduct on set. The matter was escalated to the Film Chamber’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). Shine Tom Chacko later apologized and faced a final warning from FEFKA. This incident led to delays in promotional activities. ([turn0search12])
Thematic Impact & Legacy
*Soothravakyam* taps into grounded social storytelling, presenting law enforcement as empathetic and embedded within community life—a contrast to typical cinematic portrayals. Its blend of slice-of-life warmth, student-teacher dynamics, and quiet suspense amplifies its emotional impact and relevance. ([turn0search9])
International Release & Reach
The film received a wide international release through strategic partnerships with distributors like Zineverse. As of mid-July 2025, it began screening in Australia, marking its second-week success internationally. The global reach underscores the film’s universal themes and its appeal beyond regional audiences. ([turn0search9], [turn0search2])
Conclusion
Soothravakyam (2025) is a modest yet emotionally resonant Malayalam drama that blurs the lines between education, community, and mystery. Anchored by a grounded performance from Shine Tom Chacko, buoyed by a heartfelt supporting cast, and underscored by sincere direction, it offers a refreshing alternative to formulaic cop dramas. While its screenplay stumbles in parts and controversy gathered it around release, the film ultimately delivers a quiet, reflective cinematic experience with social heart. As it continues to reach audiences around the world, *Soothravakyam* stands as a testament to calm storytelling and emotional depth in contemporary Malayalam cinema.
About the Author
