In the misty hills of Kerala, where folklore whispers through the wind, a new tale is about to unfold—one that blends heart-pounding chills with belly-laugh humor. Nellikkampoyil Night Riders, the much-anticipated Malayalam horror comedy, stars the versatile Mathew Thomas as the fearless Shyam, leading a ragtag band of friends against shadowy forces in a cursed village. Directed by debutant Noufal Abdullah, this film promises a perfect storm of love, laughs, and edge-of-your-seat action, just in time for Halloween thrills. Set for release on October 24, 2025, it's the eerie escapade every cinephile needs this spooky season.

Unraveling the Curse of Nellikkampoyil

Nestled in the lush, fog-shrouded landscapes of a forgotten village, Nellikkampoyil Night Riders draws from age-old myths that have long haunted the locals. The story kicks off with strange occurrences plaguing the night—whispers in the dark, flickering shadows that twist into monstrous shapes, and an inexplicable pull that draws outsiders into its web. Shyam, played with infectious energy by Mathew Thomas, isn't your typical hero. He's a charming, quick-witted lad who's more at home cracking jokes than battling demons. But when the village's ancient curse awakens, Shyam rallies his closest pals to uncover the truth behind the encroaching darkness.

What starts as a night of carefree adventure spirals into a web of supernatural intrigue. The village of Nellikkampoyil isn't just a backdrop; it's a living character, pulsing with secrets buried under layers of folklore. As the group delves deeper, they stumble upon rituals gone wrong and spirits hungry for revenge. Yet, true to its horror-comedy roots, the film doesn't shy away from lightening the mood. Expect slapstick mishaps amid the mayhem—like Shyam's bungled attempts at exorcism that end in hilarious pratfalls—keeping the terror from ever feeling too oppressive.

Mathew Thomas: From Boy Next Door to Village Savior

Mathew Thomas, the young star who's captivated audiences in heartfelt dramas like Kumbalangi Nights, steps into uncharted territory here. As Shyam, he channels a gritty, action-hero vibe that's a refreshing departure from his usual tender roles. The trailer teases pulse-racing fight sequences where Thomas flips, punches, and dodges otherworldly foes with surprising finesse. But it's his emotional core that shines: Shyam's journey is laced with budding romance and the ache of lost friendships, making him relatable even as he faces the abyss.

Thomas's chemistry with the ensemble elevates the film. Sarath Sabha brings brooding intensity as the skeptical best friend, while Meenakshi Unnikrishnan adds spark as the sharp-tongued love interest who matches Shyam quip for quip. Roshan Shanavas rounds out the core group with comic timing that steals scenes, turning potential scream-fests into laugh riots. Together, they embody the film's theme: in the face of fear, bonds of love and loyalty are the ultimate weapons.

Where Scares Meet Giggles: The Horror-Comedy Magic

Nellikkampoyil Night Riders masterfully juggles its genres, echoing the quirky spirit of Bollywood hits like Stree but infused with Malayalam's signature wit. Noufal Abdullah, transitioning from editing to directing, crafts a narrative that zips along at a brisk pace, clocking in at just over two hours. The cinematography by Abhilash Shankar captures the village's eerie beauty—golden sunsets bleeding into inky nights—while Yaksan Gary Pereira and Neha S. Nair's score weaves haunting melodies with upbeat folk rhythms, amplifying every jump scare and chuckle.

Producers Abbas Thirunavaya, Sajin Ali, and Hamza Thirunavaya have poured heart into this debut, delaying the release from October 10 to avoid clashing with Kantara: Chapter 1. The result? A polished gem ready to ride the wave of festive excitement. As dark forces clash with human resilience, the film reminds us that sometimes, the scariest monsters are the ones we laugh at hardest.

With its timely October drop, Nellikkampoyil Night Riders is poised to be the go-to flick for date nights that mix romance with chills or group outings packed with thrills. Mathew Thomas and his night-riding crew invite you to brave the curse—will you dare to join the ride? Grab your tickets and let the eerie festivities begin.

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