'Nellikkampoyil Night Riders' Review: Mathew Thomas Succeeds In Delivering A Simple Yet Scary Ride

Set against the misty charm of a quiet Kerala village, Nellikkampoyil Night Riders is a film that blends folklore, friendship, fear, and nostalgia into a modest yet gripping narrative.

Edited and directed by Noufal Abdullah—in his directorial debut—the film strikes a balance between humour and horror, offering a small-town mystery with a local soul.

Produced by Abbas Thirunavaya, Sajin Ali, and Dipen Patel under A & H S Productions, the movie marks an interesting addition to Malayalam cinema’s growing list of horror comedies with cultural roots.

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The screenplay, written by Sunu A.V. and Jyothish M (of Pranaya Vilasam fame), focuses on emotions and relationships as much as on eerie happenings, making the film both personal and playful.

Spoiler Alert:

At the heart of Nellikkampoyil Night Riders is Shyam (Mathew Thomas), an energetic college student from Mangalore who returns to his native village of Nellikkampoyil for a vacation. What begins as a cheerful reunion with his friends soon turns unsettling as strange events unfold.

An eerie figure—part man, part beast, with horse-like toes and a twisted gait—starts haunting the area. Panic spreads when Abu Salim’s character, a local temple-goer, claims to have seen the creature on a lonely path one night. This incident fuels gossip and fear among the villagers, turning the once-bustling community into a land of whispers and shadows.

While the mystery deepens, Shyam’s love story with Dhanya (Meenakshi Unnikrishnan) adds warmth and colour to the narrative. Their chemistry feels unforced, especially during the breezy track “Smile,” which is already trending for its melody and visuals.

The film also reveals Shyam’s childhood trauma—a haunting flashback where his caretaker Jyothi (Merin Philip) dies by suicide, leaving him with a lifelong fear of darkness.

This emotional thread makes his later confrontation with evil more symbolic: he’s not only chasing a monster but also confronting his own shadow.

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As the story unfolds, local legends resurface. A villager narrates the tragic past of a circus artist who was accused of theft and banished from Nellikkampoyil.

Shyam begins to suspect that the mysterious figure haunting them might be connected to that old injustice, perhaps a surviving member of the circus seeking revenge.

Mathew Thomas delivers one of his most controlled and natural performances. He captures the youthful charm of a carefree student while convincingly portraying vulnerability in scenes dealing with fear and loss. His transformation—from a boy afraid of darkness to someone who confronts it head-on—is believable and satisfying.

Meenakshi Unnikrishnan impresses as Dhanya, bringing both tenderness and strength to her role. Roshan Shanavas and Sarath Sabha as Shyam’s loyal friends add much-needed humour and energy, keeping the tone light even amid tension.

Noufal Abdullah, known primarily as an editor, shows surprising composure behind the camera. His direction maintains rhythm, using tight cuts and immersive sound design to sustain suspense without relying on jump scares.

The film’s rural backdrop, captured beautifully by the cinematographer, adds authenticity—lanes, temples, and mist-covered roads become silent characters in themselves.

The soundtrack by Yakzan Gary Pereira and Neha S. Nair stands out for its mood and variety. Tracks like “Kulire” provide emotional breathing space between tense sequences. The background score, especially during chase scenes and night sequences, builds an atmospheric tension that lingers.

Songs are neatly placed, never interrupting the flow. “Smile,” with its breezy visuals and youthful vibe, feels like a nostalgic reminder of simple village joys before the storm sets in.

While the film doesn’t aim for grand spectacle, it succeeds in its intention—to tell a small, engaging story that combines horror with heart.

Timeline Verdict: 

Nellikkampoyil Night Riders is not an intense horror film, but it’s enjoyably spooky, coloured with friendship, love, and a touch of folklore. It may have a simple plot, yet the sincerity in its execution, strong performances, and technical finesse make it a pleasant watch.

Cast:

• Mathew Thomas

• Roshan Shanavas

• Sarath Sabha

• Meenakshi Unnikrishnan

• Merin Philip

• Vishnu Agasthya

• Rony David

• Abu Salim

• Noushad Ali

• Zinil Zainudheen

• Naseer Sankranthi

Crew:

Director: Noufal Abdullah
Writers: Sunu A.V., Jyothish M
Producers: Abbas Thirunavaya, Sajin Ali, Dipen Patel
Cinematography: Abhilash Shankar
Editor: Noufal Abdullah
Music: Neha S. Nair, Yakzan Gary Pereira