Kaaval, directed and written by Nithin Ranji Panicker, is a family action thriller, starring Suresh Gopi and Renji Panicker in leading roles. Rachel David and Evan Anil reprise other pivotal roles in the Panicker directorial. National award winner Nikhil S Praveen has cinematographed the film, while Ranjin Raj has provided the music.

Kaaval in its entirety is what one would expect a Suresh Gopi starrer to be like with the numerous machismo-filled punch dialogues and action sequences. The slight deviation would be the pro-feminism lines sprinkled across the otherwise hero-centric 148-minute film. Kaaval is Gopi's first action film since his return in 2020 and the actor has showcased every bit of the heroism that he is known for.

It's a man's world in Kaaval with only a handful of female characters and only one pivotal female character in the film. Gopi has emulated the role of a protector convincingly since his first scene in the movie to the very end, sometimes protecting a bird, sometimes Anthony (Renji Panicker), and other times Rachel and Alex. Rivaling and complementing his performance is Renji Panicker, taking up shades we were yet to see the actor take up.

Nithin's admiration for the tone of Suresh Gopi movies (written by Renji Panicker) is obvious in Kaaval with dialogues very much reminiscent of the kind that made Gopi popular. The narration too will take you back to movies like Lelam, which gained immense popularity due to Renji Panicker's whistle-inducing dialogues and Gopi's electric performances. And like many movies in the genre, there is also a disdain for authority and an air of anarchy in the movie.

Visually, the movie takes you on a journey. Nikhil S Praveen creates a canvas fitting for each situation; be it the sepia-coloured frames for Thampan's recollection of the past or the use of dark and bleak shades when tragedy strikes.The music does a decent job in weaving the narrative together and giving the necessary effect during punch dialogues.

It suffices to say that Kaaval takes us back to the hero-centric movies of the 90s and early 2000s. However, the problem with such movies is giving a message. In this Nithin directorial, women are an object for sex, procreation, and protected only when there is a "macho" man around. Even the movie's resolution has done nothing to empower women, instead it's all about the Kaaval aka Thampan. While this is a given in movies of this genre, isn't the 21st century the best time to start a new narration?

Kaaval is a typical action thriller that Gopi's filmography is filled with, sprinkled generously with emotional aspects. The only slight and positive deviation in the film is a blissful lack of romantic numbers starring Gopi.

Despite the formulaic nature of the film and its problematic messaging, Kaaval is a treat for Gopi fans who have been waiting to get a glimpse of the yesteryear's action hero.